In a significant step toward enhancing housing resilience in Dominica, the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities, and the Digital Economy, represented by Minister of State Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, handed over 22 newly constructed resilient homes to families in Bellevue Chopin. The ceremony, held on Monday, marked a milestone in the Housing Recovery Project, funded by the World Bank. Lockhart-Hypolite revealed that over $69 million had been distributed to 386 beneficiaries, addressing one of the project’s major challenges: land ownership. Many beneficiaries initially lacked clear land titles, but the ministry successfully regularized titles for 170 families at no cost, covering surveying and registration fees to ensure they could secure their new homes. Originally, beneficiaries were to receive $50,000 each, but this amount was deemed insufficient to meet Dominica’s resilience standards. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the grant was increased to $141,000, with final units costing $151,000. Lockhart-Hypolite emphasized that this investment was crucial for ‘building back better.’ Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, representing the Prime Minister, highlighted the government’s commitment to housing as a central pillar of national development. He noted that the 22 homes were part of thousands of housing interventions delivered by the administration over the years, reflecting thoughtful planning and strategic investment in citizens’ well-being. McIntyre stressed that safe shelter is a human right and a foundation for economic and social advancement, ensuring families can live securely and focus on their goals.
Public works minister: Housing Recovery Project sees over 69 million total distributed to housing beneficiaries
