The sod was turned in Stapleton, St. Peter’s on Friday, as the government moves to expand its housing programme in several areas including Sandy Point, Ottleys and Newton Ground.
The site at Stapleton will accommodate 26 homes featuring single, two and three-bedroom options. Meanwhile in Ottleys, the foundation for 20 homes is being laid; and in Farm Meadows, Sandy Point, land has already been cleared for the construction of 30 homes.
The homes are part of the climate-smart home initiative being constructed by East Coast Housing Development Ltd. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) is a key partner in the housing programme, as well as the Ministry of Sustainable Development, which is allocating lands in communities across St. Kitts for the houses to be situated on.
At the ground-breaking ceremony, Dirck Singh, Director, East Coast Housing Development Ltd. thanked the government for the opportunity to be a part of the vision to provide affordable housing for all.
Special Advisor in the Ministry of Housing et al, His Excellency Ambassador Leon Natta-Nelson, noted the high demand for housing and shared that the government continues to work to fulfil the aspirations of the populace.
According to the SKNIS, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Housing, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, noted that since he assumed office in 2022, the government through NHC, has already delivered 112 homes, surpassing numbers set by previous administrations over the corresponding time.
He highlighted that among the beneficiaries were individuals who had owned land for many years, some as far back as 1998 but had not had the opportunity to build homes on their properties.
He is quoted as saying, “These are not just homes. They are an investment into generations to come. This is an investment in your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I am happy to be a part of this.”
Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, stated that hundreds of individuals will greatly benefit from the economic opportunities generated by the housing programme and other infrastructure projects. These include the ongoing construction of: a two million-gallon desalination plant; a climate-smart hospital; the Creative Arts Centre; a road repair programme; and the reconstruction of Basseterre High School, among others.
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