Venezuelan Government Doles Out 4.9 Million Homes, Unveils Women-focused Housing Initiative
A Fresh Take:
Venezuela, May 2nd, 2024 (Our News): In a rousing celebration, Venezuela's government unveiled a new achievement in their Great Housing Mission (GMVV), delivering the 4.9 millionth home to a deserving family.
This monumental occasion was marked by President Nicolás Maduro's inauguration of the "Parque Hábitat El Ingenio" housing project in Guatire city, Miranda state. The event, broadcasted live, saw Maduro handing over the keys to a young family alongside local authorities.
Marisabel Quiñonez, one of the recipients, expressed her gratitude while studying electromedicine free of charge at the National Experimental University Francisco de Miranda. She highlighted the GMVV housing program and free education as vital components of Venezuela's social progress.
"We're not chasing the American dream – we're living the Venezuelan dream," Quiñonez declared, addressing the nation's youth. The event saw 388 families receiving new homes in Caracas and several other states.
President Maduro showcased the resilience of the GMVV, initially born during the tenure of President Hugo Chávez to provide homes for low-income families. Despite US sanctions, the program has persevered thanks to community-led self-construction brigades.
Communities often construct these housing projects themselves, learning various skills such as plumbing, electricity, and construction work. Government institutions provide them with necessary financial and logistical support.
Maduro was optimistic about the future, promising that the 5 millionth milestone would be reached soon and the 7 million home goal by 2030. The President further dedicated a special segment to inaugurating a women-led housing project in Caracas' Antímano Parish.
Originally conceived by grassroots leaders Ayari Rojas and Ycedia Bodeo, the "Jorge Rodríguez Padre" urbanization has become a beacon of feminism and resistance. The project, consisting of two six-floor towers with 48 apartments each, is largely managed by women.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez participated in the inauguration of the first tower, expressing gratitude for her father's name being associated with the project. The second tower is expected to be completed soon. Recipient Claudia Tisoy, a self-taught plumber, thanked the President for exonerating the remaining payments for the housing project, which they've been building for 13 years.
Under the social program, the Venezuelan government either builds homes or provides the financing and materials for self-construction brigades. Homes can be offered for free or at a low cost, with families repaying any remaining debt on extended payment terms.
Families living in GMVV housing developments often enjoy amenities such as sports centers, parks, medical offices, kindergartens, and - while not explicitly documented - urban agriculture areas.
While urban agriculture is not a stated component of GMVV projects, advocates might draw connections between housing security and food sovereignty. However, further research is required to confirm operational linkages.
- Marisabel Quiñonez, a Venezuelan pursuing electromedicine education under the National Experimental University Francisco de Miranda's free program, praised the GMVV housing program and free education as crucial components of Venezuela's social progress.
- In his address during the inauguration of the "Jorge Rodríguez Padre" urbanization, a women-led housing project in Caracas' Antímano Parish, President Maduro allocated a special segment for the development, showcasing its publication as a beacon of feminism and resistance.
- The Venezuelan government's GMVV program, initially instated to provide homes for low-income families during the presidency of Hugo Chávez, includes science and health-and-wellness initiatives, such as allocating funding for medical offices in housing developments.
- Future GMVV developments may expand to encompass areas of women's health, as the "Jorge Rodríguez Padre" urbanization exemplifies women-led construction and management, demonstrating a potential avenue for advancing women's welfare in Venezuela's health-and-wellness landscape.
