SDLP representatives in Co Tyrone and Co Fermanagh have hit out at the amount of social housing which has been built in the area.
Figures from the Department for Communities showed that the number of new social homes completed in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in 2020 and 2021 so far is just 13.
In West Tyrone, the number of homes completed during the same period was 18.
More than 1,800 people are currently on waiting lists for social housing in each constituency.
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said the Department’s current housing strategy was ‘wholly inadequate’.
Communities Minister, Sinn Fein’s Deirdre Hargey, has said delivering more social homes remains a priority for her.
“The current strategy is woefully inadequate,” Mr McCrossan said.
“Demand is hugely outstripping supply. The past 20 months have underscored the value of housing and the central role that it plays for all of us.
“Minister Hargey needs to step up and get a grip on this issue and come up with a plan that will increase the number of houses built and get people off our waiting lists.
“People have been waiting long enough and vague words and promises mean little to those in need of a home.”
Mr McCrossan’s party colleague and Erne East councillor Adam Gannon said drastic action must be taken.
“How can we tell families in Fermanagh and South Tyrone living in overcrowded properties, staying with family and friends, or people with disabilities in properties wholly unsuitable to their needs, that it will take decades to tackle the housing waiting list?,” Mr Gannon asked.
“The current rate of building is falling woefully short of meeting demand.”
A statement from the Department for Communities said it is committed to its plan to develop more social housing to meet demand across Northern Ireland.
“Minister Hargey has begun the biggest reform of social housing in over 50 years," a DfC spokesperson said.
"This includes building more homes, where they are needed. When the transformational plan to make our housing system better was outlined, a key component was to improve housing, and to make sure there is a lot more of it.
“This includes delivering more homes that meet the needs of our society, now and in the future. The Minister has also delivered, in 20/21, 2403 new social starts (the highest annual figure for over a decade) and an increased new build budget for this year. This £162m investment will help to build many more homes.
“The Minister also plans to reintroduce ring-fencing, which means money will be protected to prioritise new social housing in areas where there is highest housing need.
“Minister Hargey is committed to this revitalisation agenda with equality and rights the basis of her approach, and you can’t get more basic than the right to a home.”
