9 a.m., Wednesday. Schoelcher Convention Center. From early in the morning, the event sparked public interest. On this Housing Day, some twenty industry stakeholders are ready to assist everyone—from homeowners and renters to young and old alike, as well as those looking to build their own homes and those seeking public housing.
It’s barely 9 a.m., and the convention center is already packed. You have to weave your way through the aisles just to get around. It’s clear that the second annual Housing Day, organized by the DEAL (Directorate of the Environment, Planning, and Housing), is a resounding success. About twenty organizations participated in this information day. Among the crowd, some have a very specific idea of what they’re looking for. Joëlle, for her part, wants information on assistance for bathroom renovations. She obtained this information at the CTM booth. Joëlle came away from this brief conversation with mixed feelings. «The income limit to qualify for assistance is so low—that surprised me a bit. And yet I visited almost every booth.»
The "Indivision" Booth Was Very Popular
Others have found what they were looking for. With brochures under their arms, Léa and Jennifer are already leaving the fair—it’s barely 10 a.m. In fact, they quickly found answers to their questions. «We had questions about construction, especially regarding the legal aspects. We got in touch with the ADIL (Departmental Housing Information Agency).» Another meeting is scheduled for Léa and Jennifer.
The second edition of Housing Day drew a large crowd. «As early as 9 a.m., there was already a crowd of people looking for information,» explains Miguelle Mambert, head of the Sustainable City Housing Department at DEAL Martinique. «At the joint ownership booth, there were long lines, so people were waiting a long time. That’s why it makes sense to hold this kind of fair. » In addition to the presence of the GIPI (Public Interest Group for the Dissolution of Joint Ownership), notaries were on hand to provide consultations specifically regarding joint ownership.
In addition, one of the lectures given in the auditorium focused on this phenomenon that is plaguing the real estate sector in Martinique. It drew a full house. «This issue is starting to resonate with the public. I hope this will lead to these families obtaining title to their homes.»
There is a shortage of 15,000 public housing units
Ozanam, SMHLM, Simar, Semsamar, and others—the social housing booths are also swamped with people. And for good reason: Martinique is short between 10,000 and 15,000 social housing units to provide a home for those who apply. «We have a supply-and-demand problem in this area,» acknowledges the department head. There are many applicants on one side, but on the other, there aren’t enough housing units «at affordable prices.» «We really need to establish a rent policy in collaboration with landlords. We’re pursuing a housing production policy.» Production here doesn’t mean new construction; it involves repurposing existing buildings. “Our island is only 1,100 km², so we can’t keep building forever. We need to rethink how we approach social housing, focus on existing buildings, and repurpose brownfield sites.”
Given the success of previous editions, the DEAL is committed to holding Housing Day annually.
Laurianne Nomel
