Affordable housing promised five years ago will be ready by September, according to the Junior Minister of Housing.

Walter Roban told the House of Assembly that lottery winners who were awarded the Harbour View Village homes in 2005 will have completed houses by September. During the five-hour debate on the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Mr. Roban also listed other affordable homes the Government was intent on delivering.

These included the Loughlands development, which currently houses 66 Bermudian families and will expand to include another 30 families.

While the rent-geared-to-income initiative will help house 38 families in the Perimeter Lane, Pembroke Development.

Mr. Roban also explained that the $500,000, which increased the Bermuda Housing Corporation Budget to $7,750,000 was to cover the geared-to-income initiative. And he mentioned that the Harmony Club, which Government bought for about $6.25 million in 2008 now housed Police officers and the headquarters for the Hustle Truck programme.

UBP MP Charlie Swan, while praising the Government's inclusion of energy friendly systems with their housing projects, questioned the omission of the Westcott Lane development and documentation. Yesterday Mr. Swan added: "This particular head has had some significant increase in funding over the years and I would like to know where it's going.

"There's no accounting records (for mortgages and other incomes). It would be helpful if these things were broken out. Even the number of people getting mortgages and getting the geared-to-rent income. And one area that's not mentioned is Westcott Road. A development to sell to new home owners. Is there any word as to what is happening with that project?"

At the Westcott Road, Southside groundbreaking in May 2007 Premier Brown said that legislation had been passed the previous year for the 54 units, consisting of 36-two-bedroom and 18 three-bedroom units.

Adding that the Government was committed to delivering the project, which would have sold homes for between $425,000 and $500,000. Bermuda Democratic Alliance member Donte Hunt then took to the floor to ask about rents and those struggling to pay their bills.

He said: "In this current economic climate where we have people losing their jobs what is the relations to the support services. My question is for those who lose their jobs are they privy to a payment plan?"

Mr. Roban answered that anyone who was unable to meet their rental agreement could approach the Bermuda Housing Corporation and it could be readjusted. With time running out, Mr. Swan's question was not answered and the Labour budget was not debated.