The General Director of Housing for the Government of Aragón, María Pía Canals, has defended the management of protected housing (VPO) in response to criticisms from a recent report by the Court of Auditors. Canals highlighted significant progress in the unblocking of authorizations and certifications for VPO, emphasizing the regional government’s commitment to this crucial issue.
Progress in the Construction of Protected Housing
Upon taking office, Canals encountered nearly 800 housing units pending certification or authorization, some with delays exceeding two years. Currently, 1,541 protected housing units are under construction in Aragón, with 90 located in the capital of Huesca and the rest in Zaragoza. This progress is attributed to the reorganization of teams and the update of the protected housing module carried out in April of last year.
The General Director noted that these actions have been key in streamlining the construction and authorization process, allowing more families to access affordable housing in the region.
Clarity in Records and Improvement in Advertising
Canals also addressed the observations from the report regarding the structuring of VPO records, stating that they are clear, complete, and geographically detailed. While she acknowledged there is room for improvement in the promotion of these projects, she assured that all information is available on the Government of Aragón’s website, making it easier to access sales and rental promotions.
Future Strategies and Planning
The Government of Aragón is developing a management platform to unify VPO information from various historical and current applications. Regarding the applicant registry, suspended since 2013, Canals mentioned that its possible reactivation is under evaluation, based on its usefulness and timeliness.
Moreover, the Aragón Más Vivienda Plan, with an investment of 400 million euros over six years, has been crucial in the creation of more than 3,000 public affordable rental homes. This plan encompasses capitals, rural areas, tourist zones, and employment-generating areas, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing housing challenges within the community.
