World Jewish News

Last months over one and a half thousand families of repatriates have found a roof above a head due to new privileges.

Due to privileges granted by the Ministry of Constructing during last months over one and a half thousand families of repatriates have found a roof above a head, having signed the contract on habitation renting. The new privilege granted under the initiative of Sharansky represents additional grants in the amount from 250 up to 600 shekels provided in the case when contract is made for not less than 5 years.
The new privilege provided by the Minister of Constructing Natan Sharansky to new repatriates has led to significant revival in the market of rented apartments all over the country. Despite of economic recession and raise of dollar within less than for 4 months exempts of the Ministry of Constricting have signed 1426 contracts on renting apartment for five years. All repatriates-participants of the new program will monthly receive from 250 up to 600 shekels (depending on a place of residing). At the new stage of the program Sharansky managed to convince the Ministry of Finance to grant privileges for absolutely "fresh" repatriates who have arrived by 31.12.2000.
The new program causes furious disputes: some people welcome it, emphasizing that special privileges for repatriates are quite logical (as now among those who await for habitation there are 50 thousand repatriates and only 3 thousand of "old" residents); others keep criticizing Sharansky for the majority of contracts are signed with new repatriates. They demand him to set control of public organizations over the Ministry's work. Sharansky disagrees: "I supervise the Ministry and I do not need any partners. We work according to laws and all of our documents at any moment are ready to be checked".
The aim of the new project is to support exempts desiring to rent habitation at free market instead of waiting for hostel. According to the Minister, those who require social habitation keep waiting for salvation of this problem for years and it is necessary to expand opportunities for these people. Besides, Sharansky requires allocation of 178 million shekels to update and repair already existing available housing. Renting the 1500 units of habitation represents 50% addition to the total number of apartments annually released by state companies.

Источник: Jewish.ru