Housing Minister chides engineer leader over made-in-China houses

In a sharp rebuke, Minister of Housing Dr William Duguid fired back at the President of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE), Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Browne’s criticism of the 150 temporary houses bought from China.

Lt Col Browne had questioned why the BAPE was not consulted on the proposed acquisition of the temporary housing structures and whether or not the steel frame structures are fit for the island’s climate.

Lt. Col Browne said: “The most serious challenge that tends to be faced with metal structures in Barbados is called corrosion… one has to wonder what considerations would have been given to this potential liability.”

Dr Duguid said not only were such steel frame structures already being used on the island but that the Government had no requirement to consult the engineering association on any topic of national interest.

The housing minister said: “Let me say that clearly that kind of technology of using steel frame, cladded for concrete board is already available in Barbados, at no time or there is no responsibility of the National Housing Corporation to consult any association of professional engineers; it’s not necessary, and further, our National Housing Corporation engineer would have assessed and made it very clear, that the houses are very capable and to be here in Barbados. In fact, they are already here.

“The sad thing about it is, is that we have these armchair goalies, that get out there and say all sorts of things, and then put in people’s minds that the houses will have a problem. Then what you have are people who could benefit from a house, then having second thoughts, and asking us about things that would have been put in the press.”

The housing minister explained that the acquisition of the 150 homes in a joint venture between the East West Building Solutions and the National Housing Corporation (NHC) has already been given full structural approval by several engineers within the NHC. He declared the Ministry of Housing has no intention of wasting taxpayers monies on the project that has already been investigated thoroughly.

“We are not reckless with the people’s money… the people in Barbados worked too hard, and for too long, and for too many years, and pay taxes, VAT, and all sorts of things, and we have to be very responsible [with] how that money is spent,” said Dr Duguid.

He further demanded an apology from the BAPE leader, stating that his questions on the structural integrity of the homes have already placed a seed of doubt in the minds of Barbadians about the homes.

Dr Duguid continued: “I would never encourage anybody to get involved in constructing any house that I know has a risk or a problem.”

“I am shocked and disappointed with the President of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers, and I think he owes the people of Barbados an  apology to make it clear because he has put doubt in the people’s minds.” (SB)