Fifty families now have the keys to brand new starter homes under the Land Settlement Agency’s Housing and Village Improvement Programme.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Camille Robinson-Regis, noted that since the Programme’s inception, over 800 residential units have been constructed, and assured that many more families will have places to call their own this year.
She said the Housing and Village Improvement Programme and the Squatter Regularisation Programme are aimed at providing safe, dignified housing for vulnerable families, providing solid foundations for families’ futures.
“These units do not sacrifice structurally. They do not sacrifice on durability, and they do not sacrifice on quality or safety. They are 20 feet by 24 feet concrete structures outfitted with essential electrical and plumbing systems. For many, this is a significant improvement from their previous living conditions.”
Additionally, the Minister said over 50 infrastructural upgrade projects have been completed, improving roadworks, drainage, and security enhancements in areas including Arima, Carapo, Wallerfield, Moruga, Enterprise, Morvant, Point Fortin, Cap de Ville, Todds Road, Indian Walk, and Bon Air North.
“For this year, we have an ambitious target of constructing 500 new residential units. As of today, construction is actively underway on 76 units. There are contracts for an additional 126 units, and these have been executed and will commence shortly. The total projected cost of these units stands at $113,472,320.”
The keys to the 50 units were distributed to beneficiaries in the Chaguanas, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Mayaro, Princes Town, San Fernando, and Siparia areas.
Minister Robinson-Regis also said 48 more units will be distributed to residents in the Arima, Diego Martin, San Juan/Laventille, Sangre Grande, and Tunapuna/Piarco regions.