Barbadians are being assured that Government is prepared to continue its housing programme, and will also be making lots available for persons to build their own homes.
The Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman said even in these difficult times they have been able to provide much needed housing solutions for persons. His comments came yesterday morning as he offered those in the Lower House, an update on some of the projects the National Housing Corporation (NHC) is currently undertaking.
According to Kellman, all the houses at the project at Lancaster 1 and 2, St. James have been allocated, as well as Constant, St. George and at Parish Land, St. Philip, he said 89 of the 117 houses have been allocated and they are in the process of getting the other properties assigned as well.
“As you know previously we would have done Country [Park] Towers, we would have done Valerie and we would have done Grotto. As it stands there, I am told that [there] is just one more block with some minor work and that will be all behind us. Don’t mind what you hear from the Opposition, don’t mind what you see in the press, you need to go and see for yourself. West Terrace/Durants we are working on that to ensure that too is completed. There are certain issues beyond my control but I’m told they are working on those things and that that too would see the green light,” he stated.
But, Kellman said they are not going to stop there, recognising the need to still meet the public’s needs even in the face of diminished finances. He said that the NHC will be looking to sell more lots to those desirous of having a piece of the rock.
“We have to realise that after these projects are completed even though we do not have cash that we have to find some very creative ways to get opportunities and solutions in the hands of people. If we do not have cash, one of the quickest ways we can do it is by offering lots. If we offer lots upfront, it allows us to get the cash and build up the cash stock, convert the land into cash so we can then use some of that cash to continue the housing programme,” he said.
He said this will help the National Housing Corporation to generate revenue. He made the point as he noted that some of their lands are located in sought after areas. (JRT)