The Government of Dominica has gifted sixty (60) new homes to beneficiaries under the Housing Recovery Programme (HRP) and the 11th EDF (European Development Fund) Programme.
The handover ceremony occurred at the State House Conference Center on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
54 homes were constructed with loan and grant funding from the World Bank, bringing the number of homes delivered under the HRP to 285. Additionally, six homes built through grant funding from the EDF, with counterpart funding from the Government of Dominica, were handed over to residents of the Kalinago Territory, increasing the programme’s total to 42.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Hon. Melissa Poponne- Skerrit lauded the Government’s efforts to provide safety, security and comfort to Dominican families.
“For these families, land ownership opens new opportunities, including access to credit, intergenerational wealth transfer, and a renewed sense of dignity. It offers them the stability to confidently build their lives, free from the fear of displacement. It empowers them with a sense of pride and ownership, fostering independence and a stronger connection to their communities,” she said.
According to Hon. Poponne-Skerrit the Government of Dominica is committed to improving the living standards of all Dominicans.
“One of the most effective ways to fight poverty is by providing housing. This is why we remain steadfast in our commitment to build 5000 resilient homes by 2030, and we are well on our way to accomplishing this feat while breaking the cycle of poverty. Because we believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to thrive, to belong, and to be successful,” she declared.
Representing Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre said the government’s housing programme has strengthened communities, empowered families, and contributed to the broader vision of sustainable development across Dominica.
“Sustainable development and resilience are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment dates back to our Dynamic Dominica pledge to ensure that all Dominicans are properly housed and that our national housing and property stock are among the highest quality and most hurricane-resilient in the Caribbean,” he said.
“The homes we are handing over today are built to withstand the challenges of a changing climate, ensuring that our people are protected from the risks and dangers posed by natural disasters. Dominica is a small island state, but we are determined to lead by example, showing the world that we can adapt and thrive in the face of adversity,” the Minister added.
The HRP was developed to replace destroyed homes following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
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.