Suriname has officially activated its National Housing Fund following a presidential decree by President Jennifer Simons, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s social development agenda. The initiative, established under the National Housing Fund Act (S.B. 2019 no. 142), became operational on December 10, 2025, with an initial capital injection of SRD 20 million.
The fund represents the government’s central financial mechanism for affordable housing construction, renovation programs, and sustainable housing projects. Although the legislation was originally passed by the National Assembly on November 21, 2019, its implementation had been pending until now. This delay-free activation finally provides Suriname with a consolidated and sustainable financing framework for its housing sector.
Key operational aspects of the fund include:
– Establishment of transparent governance structures and management protocols
– Consolidation of public and private financial resources
– Provision of long-term financing options for housing development projects
– Implementation of rigorous accountability measures for fund allocation and expenditure
The initial SRD 20 million allocation serves as seed capital for a multi-year program, with a larger second infusion planned for 2026. This strategic approach aims to revitalize the national housing policy while expanding access to affordable, quality housing. Additionally, the fund will facilitate renovation of aging residential facilities and specifically target improvement of living conditions in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Administrative responsibility has been assigned to the Minister of Finance & Planning and the Minister of Social Affairs and Public Housing. These officials will oversee the fund’s operationalization, develop implementation regulations, and ensure transparent financial management.
This formalization represents a crucial step in modernizing Suriname’s housing policy, creating a structural investment mechanism during a period of increasing housing affordability challenges and growing renovation needs across the nation.