By-Press Secretary
Eighteen beneficiaries of the Kalinago Territory received keys to new homes on Thursday, October 12, built with funding from the European Union.
Fifty homes in total will be constructed under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) B-Envelope State and Resilience Contract for Rehabilitation following Hurricane Maria, with additional funding from the Government of Dominica to reduce risk vulnerability and increase climate resilience in the Kalinago Territory. 18 homes were previously presented to beneficiaries in January 2023.
Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, Helena Konig said since the passage of Hurricane Maria, the EU has engaged in a comprehensive programme to assist the Government of Dominica to build resilience against climate change impacts.
“I have great admiration for your continued resilience in the face of such shocks. The impact of climate change has no borders in Europe, too. We see the impact of more frequent and more intense natural disasters.
“Yet the differences in capacity for preparedness are notable when it comes to recovery, to repairing the damage, to strengthening the infrastructure in order to cope with future events, and to ensure that citizens will continue to stay safe,” she noted.
“Dear Prime Minister, I can’t thank you enough, both you and your teams, for the excellent work done under this component of our budget support programme. We hope to continue this cooperation in the future,” Ms. Kronig added.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked the European Union for its continued support of Dominica’s resilience-building efforts across several sectors.
“The European Union has been with us in healthcare, education, public infrastructure, housing, water resource management, and helping us to build resilience overall. We show our gratitude to the European Union not only for your tangible gifts but for your sincere understanding of our challenges and for your commitment and willingness to work with us to address these challenges, together.”
The Prime Minister said the Dominica Labour Party-led Government would continue to pursue policies that improve lives and promote sustainable, safer futures for citizens.
“We make no apologies for pursuing an aggressive housing programme which provides our most vulnerable with safe shelter, gives them dignity and the opportunity to lead better, more fulfilling lives.
“To the beneficiaries of these homes, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. I urge you to treasure your new homes, not just as structures of brick and mortar which offer you safety and security, but as symbols of our collective strength and resolve as a nation,” the Prime Minister said.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit told the handover ceremony the new homes represent Government’s commitment to achieving housing security for all citizens, as well as the strength of international cooperation and partnership.
“The invaluable financial assistance has assisted us in transforming a vision of climate-resilient housing into a reality for the wonderful people of the Kalinago Territory. And this is a testament to the EU’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for communities across the globe,” the Housing Minister said.
“The homes that we are handing over are symbols of our shared determination to provide safe and secure shelter to those who call this Territory their home. These homes have been designed and constructed with the utmost care to withstand the most vigorous tests of resilience,” she added.
The 18 new housing units are located at Touna Concord, Mahaut River, Gaulette River, and St. Cyr.