Barbados: The Democratic Labour Party – DLP has stated that Barbados Labour Party – BLP administration has promised to build thousands of houses over the next two years. Yet Barbadians are left doubtful as there is little indication that housing is a priority of this administration.
B. Ricardo Harrison – spokesperson on housing further asserted that “DLP believes that we must invest in our people through affordable and high-quality housing. Therefore, we wish to ascertain from this current administration the status of housing in Barbados, particularly related to the lower-income and middle class.”
“Barbadians need immediate and actionable plans that will deliver the security of homeownership that many so desperately need.
In doing so, Barbadians also want to ensure their tax dollars are appropriately spent, with the appropriate contractors for the job.”
He added, “Much fanfare, style, and optics were on show at the Housing Fair at Lancaster or Dean’s town where ordinary Barbadians were promised land but were suddenly, and without a valid explanation, told that only houses will be built and that house spots are no longer available.”
Further questioning the government he cited, “In an atmosphere where transparency and integrity are fashionable buzz words, the DLP, on behalf of the people of Barbados, would like the Minister of Housing to furnish us with answers to the following-
- What are the names of the contractors assigned to these projects?
- What was the tendering process, and has it been completed?
- What are the expected building costs attached to these projects at Kings Village/White-park Road and Lancaster?
- How will these units/ houses be disbursed? Via rent to own or outright purchase
- Has the development at Lancaster/Deans Town been offered to the upper-middle-class, or will they still become available to the average working-class Barbadian?”
He concluded, “Barbadians have had enough overly repeated promises. The BLP can no longer hide under the guise of COVID-19 but must tell the public how they are working for the people of Barbados, particularly as it relates to providing high-quality and affordable housing.”
