Grotto set for major overhaul

Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Chris Gibbs has announced an “almost immediate” intervention at The Grotto housing complex, in response to mounting pressure from residents who describe the decade-old development as a hazard.

​Speaking with Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the topping off ceremony for the Pendry Hotel on Wednesday, Gibbs revealed that the National Housing Corporation (NHC) has been allotted the necessary funding to address the structural failures plaguing the Beckles Road high-rise complex. 

While not providing the specific figure that had been allocated, Gibbs said the money would be used to address several of the challenges faced by residents which include severe water leaks and a lack of basic security.

​”The Ministry of Housing through NHC has been allotted money to deal with the issue of the leaking roofs at The Grotto.”

“We have commissioned the exact type of sealant that we are to use, and we will be engaging in that project soon. The money has been allocated, so we’ll be starting that project almost immediately,” Gibbs said.

​The minister’s commitment comes at a critical time for the 76-unit complex. 

In a recent interview with Barbados TODAY, residents Uwine and Charmaine Dominique revealed that they were forced to deal with water dripping directly onto electrical panels and using towels to line their floor when rain occurred. 

Additionally, many residents, particularly women, have reported “traumatic” experiences returning home after dark due to “atrocious” lighting and a layout that forces them to park far from their doors.

Gibbs acknowledged that the original design of the complex failed to account for the modern needs of its occupants.

“The parking was not optimised to the amount of residents there. We are looking at solutions there, because when you come home and there is no parking for you, you might have to park a ways off and then people have some concerns based on security. You can understand it,” he admitted.

​In addition to the roof repairs, Gibbs said the government plans to address the lighting failures that residents say have emboldened prowlers and vagrants. 

He emphasised a shift in how the Ministry views those living in state housing, signaling a move toward more professional property management.

​”I look at our residents as our clients. We definitely have to make sure that not only are their units safe and secure, but that we have audits periodically so that we can get ahead of issues before they present themselves,” Gibbs said.

​The funding for these upgrades is drawn from the $13.3 million allocated to the NHC within the broader $137.5 million housing budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This financial injection is part of a national push for infrastructure reform, which includes a $56 million Resilience and Regeneration Fund aimed at climate-proofing state properties.

​While the repairs offer immediate relief, a more permanent change is on the horizon for the tenants of St. Michael. 

Under the recently passed State Acquisition and Vesting of Property Bill, residents at The Grotto may eventually transition from “clients” to homeowners. The legislation is designed to bypass decades of bureaucratic red tape, eventually granting ownership to nearly 3,900 eligible tenants across 27 estates.

​For now, according to the Housing Minister the focus remains on basic safety and “beautification” efforts he promised will begin shortly.

 “We will also be doing beautification across the estates as well, and The Grotto is included in that too,” Gibbs concluded.

(RR)