Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, handed over forty-five newly built homes under the Housing Recovery Project (HRP). The handover ceremony was held on Wednesday.
The distribution of new homes brings the total number of homes completed under the HRP to 114, while additional 151 homes are also under construction.
The new homes are located on the west coast of Dominica and feature modern amenities. The facilities also include running water and electricity. The houses are a welcome relief for families who have been living in inadequate housing after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.
The families receiving the keys to their new homes were delighted with the outcome.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that the Government continued to build resilient homes for people and always retained sight of quality shelter.
“We have been putting our words into action in all of Dominica; more Dominicans benefit from superior quality homes. We are changing lives and affording families the chance to live in peace and dignity,” said Prime Minister Skerrit during the handover ceremony.
On Wednesday, 45 beneficiaries received keys to their new homes under the Housing Recovery Project. This brings the total number of houses constructed under the HRP by loans and grants contributions from the World Bank to 114. Additional 151 homes are also under construction. pic.twitter.com/xSsiBmwac2
— Roosevelt Skerrit (@SkerritR) January 26, 2023
He said it never gets old seeing the joy on the faces of the people, knowing that the Government have empowered them with a place where they can feel safe.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit added that they have never lost sight of the importance of shelter to the citizens’ wellbeing.
The Government of Dominica stated that around 420 homes will be reconstructed under the EC$110 million loan and grant agreement with the World Bank. The applicants who will qualify for the scheme will receive full financial and technical assistance from the administration during the construction process.
“All of these homes are being built by Dominicans, and all of the materials are purchased from local suppliers of materials,” the Prime Minister noted.
The New Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Skerrit, stated that Housing Recovery Project (HRP) reflects the commitment of the Dominica government. She said that the Government is dedicated to facilitating safe and comfortable homes for people and their families.
Melissa Skerrit mentioned that with these new homes, the beneficiaries now have a place to rest comfortably when it rains for a day or more; a place to feel safe in times of impending storms or hurricanes, or even when the earth shakes.
She also took to social media and cited, “As part of the Government of Dominica’s Housing Revolution, and with the collaboration of the World Bank, 45 more Dominican families today have a home to call their own at the start of 2023.”
Senior Disaster Management Risk and Specialist Task Team Leader at the World Bank Mission Suranga Kahandawa praised regional governments.
“A good example is Dominica. The Government has taken a lot of steps to reduce risk and prepare communities for future extreme events. But there is still a lot that can be done in the area to make disasters less bad,” he said.
He lauded Dominica for spending money on ways to reduce risks, such as building homes that can withstand the effects of bad weather.
