Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 14, 2018 (SKNIS): Minister of Human Settlement with responsibility for Housing, the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, at the People’s Forum Town Hall Meeting on March 13 at the St. Johnston Community Centre in West Basseterre, said that citizens and residents can now enjoy more comfortable and affordable living with the improvements made in the housing sector for low income homes over the past three years.
Minister Hamilton explained that since the change of government, low income housing projects have been revamped. He said that not only is the new design for the low income houses bigger than before but the interest rate on the houses is also lower.
He added that the previous interest rate of seven percent (7%) on a house costing a sum of EC$150,000 has now been dropped to two percent (2%) for persons earning under EC$3000, thus making the houses much more affordable for low income families.
“The same house that is EC$997.95 at seven percent (7%), at five percent (5%), it will be EC$875.23; at three percent (3%), it will be EC$632.41, so those of you who are getting two percent (2%) will pay EC$554.43. I’m saying to you, your government is working. In Housing, we have revolutionized. In Housing, we are delivering,” he said.
Minister Hamilton also highlighted the successful programmes that have been implemented to help low income families such as the Home Improvement Loan Programme (HELP) at the National Housing Corporation (NHC) that has assisted approximately 600 persons to date.
“We give you a grant of up to EC$10,000 to be able to outfit your house with water, bathroom and toilet,” he stated.
He added that approximately 300 houses will be built under the Team Unity Housing Solutions Programme by the end of the government’s first term in office. He also said that the new and improved houses now have galvalume roofs, bigger rooms, including more spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and high quality finishes. The houses are now 862 square feet compared to the 780 square feet on the houses built under the previous administration.
“We have to stay strong and together because this government is working for the ordinary man (and woman),” said Minister Hamilton.
