Six Houses Completed Under Indigent Housing Project

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is reporting that six homes have been completed under the Indigent Housing Project.

He also informed that construction is to begin on four more houses in early January 2019, with each home being constructed at a cost of $1.8 million.

Minister McKenzie was speaking to the media recently, following a visit to inspect the progress of the indigent house being built in Lime Hall, St. Ann.

“The Ministry is putting the finishing touches on two houses being constructed for two residents, one here in Lime Hall and one in Beecher Town, St. Ann, as part of Local Government and Community Development Month activities and the Indigent Housing Project,” he stated.

He also underscored that construction of the homes, which are being done in partnership with the National Housing Trust (NHT) “are a part of the Administration’s thrust to improve the quality of living for citizens who rely on the state for support.”

The Minister informed that the houses being constructed in St. Ann are slated to be completed prior to the Christmas holidays.

Mr. McKenzie noted that residents and other stakeholders have been supportive of the initiative.

“I am very happy with the support that we have received, not just from the community here in Lime Hall, but we have gotten support from both sides of the political divide. We have had Mayors coming from across the country to be a part of the construction process, we have also had the councilors in St. Ann coming and giving support, spending at least an hour and putting some work in,” he stated.

The Local Government Minister informed that the Ministry will also be furnishing the homes constructed in Lime Hall and Beecher Town.

For his part, Senior Executive Architect in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Dane Guthrie, informed that the homes are a “comfortable  200 square feet, which consist of a bathroom and a kitchen area.”

“They are studio units which allow for bedroom and living (room) space. They have a tropical design with slope roofs which allow for rain water harvesting, high ceilings and cross ventilation,” he stated.

In the case of the home in Lime Hall, which was being constructed on a hillside, Mr. Guthrie noted that a sloping staircase is to be built to allow for “easy access to the unit”.

The Indigent Housing Project will see the construction of 28 homes across the island, with two concrete structures being built per parish.