Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 18, 2023 (SKNIS): The housing revolution promised by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has officially begun following the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, September 18, 2023, for model homes to be constructed by the East Coast Housing Development Ltd.
The turning of the sod was held at Taylor’s East Housing Development where the first model home will be constructed. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, other members of the Federal Cabinet, officials from the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and community members.
Brian Singh, Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Housing Development Ltd, said that the timing of Monday’s groundbreaking, which falls on the eve of the Federation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence, is reflective of the government’s vision. He added that the prime minister was among the best in the region, and he is inspired by Dr. Drew’s strong commitment to empowering the people. This has stirred his company to deliver on its mandate to provide quality homes.
“We are not just building houses for you all. We are creating homes for the people of the Federation. We are building this to withstand the test of time,” he stated. “I am not going anywhere,” he added, noting that he has formed a bond with the people of the country, so much so that he considers himself a Kittitian.
Under this project, a total of 2,400 climate-smart homes will be built over the next four years. That translates to 600 homes per year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Human Settlement, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, explained that the government’s housing revolution has started just one year since taking office.
“We told you that we were going to do this for you, the ordinary people, and we are delivering on our promise,” he stated. “It took a while, but I am pleased that all of the due diligence was done. God has made it possible, on this day, the 18th day of September, that the housing revolution that we promised is here and will be in St. Kitts.
Dr. Hanley thanked the Attorney General, the Honourable Garth Wilkin for his support of the project, and Prime Minister Dr. Drew for his leadership in making this promise a reality.
A second model home will be constructed in Conaree adjacent to the children’s play area. The construction of the model houses is expected to be completed in November 2023. The public will then be afforded the opportunity to view the three-bedroom homes that will be fully furnished.
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