- 131 - II. OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE 71. Taking into account the fact that Panama is a country with a population of about 2.5 million, an average of 4 to 5 persons per family and a housing shortage fluctuating between 200,000 and 250,000 units, according to the estimates of senior government officials, it is evident that the housing problem affects almost one third of the population. 72. The inability of the previous Government (1989-1994) to address the problem in a serious and effective manner was aggravated by a policy of forcible expulsions and the construction of unsuitable dwellings. 73. The present Government has recently adopted measures and programmes that demonstrate its concern to satisfy the demand for housing. The officials in the social services sector who are responsible for the formulation and implementation of this policy have assessed the nature and magnitude of the problem, as well as its implications from the standpoint of human rights and the need to tackle it in agreement with the communities concerned. 74. In this regard, the solutions that were applied unilaterally by the Government in districts such as El Chorrillo and El Cerezo contrast with those resulting from consultation between the Government and the groups concerned, as happened in the case of the commune of Arraiján. The policy of administrative simplification, which began with the creation of "one-stop services centres", is a good illustration of this, for it accelerates approval of town planning and social housing projects. 75. Nevertheless, the Government’s endeavours are hampered by the lack of a national physical planning scheme and a national housing plan. A complete inventory of resources and demands would enable it to formulate its objectives and programmes more effectively. 76. However, some very positive signs can be noted, such as the increasing awareness of the problem, the various measures that have been taken to solve it - for example, the bill submitted by a member of Parliament on 4 April 1995 recognizing the social benefits of the construction of low-income housing and prohibiting the construction of dwellings with an area of less than 36 square metres - and the firm intention to refrain from further forcible expulsions. 77. Unfortunately, there are still sources of concern, such as the magnitude of the problem, some further expulsions at the end of 1994, the importance accorded to the private sector at the expense of public institutions, and the insufficient regard that is sometimes shown for the aspirations and achievements of the various communities. 78. The Committee thanks the Government for the efforts made to facilitate dialogue with it by agreeing to the visit of a mission to Panama, by making available all the facilities necessary for the performance of the mission’s task, by providing access to all necessary documents and to all the areas affected by housing problems, and by facilitating the mission’s dialogue with Panamanian civilians. It also welcomes the presence of a delegation from Panama during the consideration of the report of Panama at the Committee’s twelfth session.