Housing on reserve falling apart says resident

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Housing on Jean D'or reserve is getting worse every year, complains 55 year old Morice Loonskin.

Living n a deteriorating house, Loonskin monitored the construction f his new home next door.

Loonskin questions the construction of the building. "Even before the siding or the floor were put in there was water in the basement."

His wife, who suffers with asthma and bronchial problems, was given a letter recently from her doctor stating that for health reasons she should live in a dry, warm home.

"I might be better staying in my old house. It might be dryer and warmer," he said.

"The siding is plastic and I can't see it standing up to our winters," Loonskin said.

To prove his point he put a piece of plastic siding in his deepfreeze to see if it would crack under a little pressure.

"I have complained to the band, and the maintenance, and they tell me it's the contractor's responsibility. The contractor tells me he is just doing the job. The band should have

more control over the contractor, and make sure the houses are built properly.

"Just because I am an Indian doesn't mean I should be treated like dirt," Loonskin said angrily.

There is a real need for housing, according to Lewis Patmore, economic development officer for the band.

There are twenty houses being built this year, the same as the last year, and a similar number of houses are expected to be built next year.

Houses are not equipped with running water and are served by water trucks.