Housing Shortage Debate
A prominent banker, Gowon Bowe, chief executive of Fidelity Bank (Bahamas), claims that The Bahamas does not have a housing shortage due to 25,000 vacant residential dwellings.
The Bahamas "doesn't have a housing shortage"
According to Bowe, utilizing these vacant properties will bring greater benefits to the economy and society than constructing more affordable homes. This statement contrasts with Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell's assertion of a "12,000-plus" residential unit shortage.
- 25,000-plus vacant residential dwellings identified in the latest Housing Census
- Minister Keith Bell reported a "12,000-plus" shortage of residential units
Bowe questions whether the reported shortage is based on "economic analysis" or "emotion", citing data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI).
Author's summary: Banker disputes housing shortage claims.