Leader stresses fair distribution of low-income homes

Vice Premier Li Keqiang visits low-income housing communities in Beijing, Aug 22, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called for local authorities to fairly distribute low-income housing units to those needy families in a transparent way, adding that tightening measures for the country's property market will remain in place.

Li's remarks came during an inspection tour of low-income housing communities in Beijing on Tuesday.

The vice premier said the country's goal of building low-income housing units this year must be fulfilled in time in order to benefit middle- and low-income households.

While ensuring the quantity and quality of low-income housing, the government should also emphasize fair distribution, as fairly distributing affordable homes is the "lifeblood" of the housing program, Li said.

He said the distribution of low-income housing units must be strictly regulated to prevent those who do not qualify to live in the homes from occupying them.

The government vowed to start construction on more than 7 million low-income housing units this year as part of its plan to build 36 million such units between 2011 and 2015 to stabilize runaway property prices.

The vice premier said nearly 100 million people have thus far benefited from low-income housing around the country, adding that construction on more than 70 percent of this year's low-income housing target has already begun.

Li said the construction of low-income housing and the renovation of rundown urban areas must continue in order to curb excessively high property prices.

He said local authorities should continue to implement property market tightening measures, as well as curb speculation and investment demand in the sector.

The supply of ordinary commercial housing units should also be increased to promote the development of the real estate sector, he added.