The National Housing Authority has accelerated the process of reclaiming rental buildings from the private sector to manage them directly, aiming to reduce costs and enhance the quality of life for residents. The response has been very positive from the residents, especially in two pilot projects where rental buildings were reclaimed from the private sector: the Nawamin Community Housing Project and the O Ngoen Community Housing Project, where residents are satisfied with the management of the National Housing Authority.

 

            Mr. Taweepong Wichaidit, Governor of the National Housing Authority, stated that for the rental buildings reclaimed from private companies, the National Housing Authority will organize living arrangements to ensure everyone can live together happily. Improvements will include landscaping, public parks, building repairs and painting, installation of CCTV cameras, increased lighting, and 24-hour security to make the rental projects more livable.

            This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in line with the policy of General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister, who wants citizens to have their own homes, aligning with the policy of Mr. Juti Krairerk, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, which focuses on improving the quality of life for residents in the reclaimed rental projects while emphasizing job creation and income generation for residents and reducing expenses.

           Mr. Chaiyut Nualsuwan, 51, a lawyer and head of the volunteer group for community development at the Nawamin Community Housing Project, mentioned that after signing a rental contract directly with the National Housing Authority, he felt that the quality of life improved due to the Authority's efforts in enhancing the project's landscape, including increasing lighting, replacing light bulbs, repairing water pipes, and replacing broken drainage covers that could pose safety hazards. Additionally, 24-hour security has been provided, along with CCTV installation, and assistance for residents is offered free of charge for repairs within their living spaces and the project, such as replacing sanitary ware, door locks, and fixing leaks.

            Furthermore, the National Housing Authority has coordinated with other agencies, such as police officers, to ensure safety within the community and is in the process of coordinating with the Bueng Kum District Office to dredge the canal and remove water hyacinths within the project. They also provide free haircuts and distribute food boxes to help reduce expenses for residents during the economic downturn, in addition to reducing rent to 990 baht per month until March 2022.

            Ms. Pornapa Jamnongthai, 47, a state enterprise employee and resident of the Nawamin Community Housing Project, stated that since the National Housing Authority took over management, the quality of life has improved, with enhanced safety and landscape improvements within the project, such as cleaning water pipes, increasing lighting, and 24-hour security. A resident group chat has been established for quick assistance, with volunteers coordinating with the National Housing Authority to provide timely help to residents. Additionally, rent reductions have helped lower expenses, especially as she, like many others, has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

            Mr. Taweepong stated that the feedback from residents confirms that those living in the rental buildings reclaimed by the National Housing Authority have experienced an improved quality of life. The Authority prioritizes everyone, allowing them to live together happily, including low-income individuals, disadvantaged groups, vulnerable populations, and young people. Vulnerable groups receive special care, with activities provided for their leisure time, and a community health center looks after residents' health, eliminating the need for hospital visits for minor ailments or basic health checks, conducted by community members trained in measuring temperature and blood pressure from local public health centers.

            The Din Daeng Community Urban Renewal Project Phase 1 (Block G) is another project that brings pride to the elderly, as the 29th floor of the building has been transformed into a rooftop vegetable garden, with elderly volunteers playing a crucial role in its maintenance. This not only generates income but also brings joy and a sense of value as they contribute to society.

            “An improved quality of life and a livable community within the project cannot happen without the cooperation of residents, who share a sense of unity in living together in the community, with the goal of sustainably enhancing quality of life in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Economically, residents will pay lower rent, water, and electricity costs compared to renting from private entities. Socially, there is systematic management, with residents participating in various activities. Environmentally, waste and wastewater management is conducted to standards,” the Governor of the National Housing Authority stated.

            Regarding Mr. Somchai Chatarupa, head of the self-sufficient agriculture volunteer group in the Din Daeng Community Urban Renewal Project Phase 1 (Block G), he mentioned that the agricultural group has 40 members aged between 70 and 80 years, who take turns caring for vegetables such as basil, mint, chili, lime, and purple yardlong beans. The produce is partially kept for personal consumption and partially sold, with 60% of the income going to the caretakers and 40% reserved for purchasing seeds for future planting.

            The rooftop vegetable garden initiative is unique, as it involves collaboration with community members, encouraging them to take care of themselves and their society sustainably. Some individuals can even develop it into a supplementary income source. The focus is on creating jobs for residents, and the Din Daeng Community Urban Renewal Project Phase 1 (Block G) will serve as a model for future projects by the National Housing Authority.

            “The smiles of the residents are the happiness and pride of us at the National Housing Authority,” the Governor of the National Housing Authority stated.

For citizens interested in residing in the National Housing Authority's rental projects, they can sign a rental contract directly with the National Housing Authority at the National Housing Authority's rental project service center under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in the area where the project is located, or inquire at the Call Center 1615.