Housing initiative bid ‘to revive urban communities’

In a move to uplift communities plagued by inadequate living conditions, the government has announced plans to develop sustainable housing solutions that promise to enhance the quality of life for many residents.

The initiative was revealed by Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland on Wednesday during the launch of the Solaris housing project in Whitepark Road, St Michael.

The minister said the government wanted to enhance the quality of life for many Barbadians and a number of families stood to benefit.

Sutherland said: “The Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance anticipates that the measures being implemented would not only assist low-income citizens with becoming homeowners but will furthermore redound to the benefit of the society in a number of ways. In providing these solutions we are cognisant of the social, economic and environmental impact that the policies and actions we implement now can have on future generations. These include: assisting with breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty; creating a sense of accomplishment and pride of ownership; providing a form of security for families; creating a sense of community; as well as by contributing to a reduction in crime, by reducing overcrowding in densely populated neighbourhoods. The overall benefit will be to improve the quality of life, especially for low-income households.”

Plans are on the way to upgrade and redevelop parts of Bridgetown, he announced: “Thought is being given to including the Wellington Street/Nelson Street area in this project, in addition to Greenfield. Through this project, we aim to improve the social and living conditions of the persons currently resident in these areas.”

Some 16 families were benefiting from the housing project at Solaris Court, including five families who were displaced by fire in May, the housing minister said

He gave assurances that the new housing solutions were being sustainably built to be able to withstand storm surges and resist fire.