Construction work on 60 apartment units in the Elmshall and Bath Estate communities will move in earnest in 2014.
This major housing development is in keeping with government’s commitment to provide adequate, affordable housing to the people of Dominica.
The project which is expected to be completed before the end of 2014, incorporates the construction of (36) thirty-six units at Elmshall and (24) twenty-four units at Bath Estate with provisions for proper landscaping and access roads.
The two and three bedroom apartment units are made possible through a soft loan from the People’s Republic of China and forms part of a wider urban renewal project which included the construction of the new State House and the new Dominica State College.
The project is being done by a Chinese contracting firm Shanghai Construction Company.
Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau South Constituency Hon. Ambrose George disclosed on Thursday that the officials of the Chinese contracting firm are now on vacation, and will resume work on the project later this month.
“Construction has in fact started. They are at the foundation stage. Currently the contractors are on vacation because of their country’s tradition, however they are expected to resume work later this month on both sites,” he said.
According to Mr. George, the apartments promise to be of modern type structural design and finishings.
“If we are to look at the standard of construction that we have been witnessing here in Dominica from the Chinese, one can only conclude that the building will be an edifice as it relates to structural design and finish. Certainly it will be something to behold and any occupant of these apartments will cherish it based on the finish that we expect from the contractor.”
The Roseau South MP says the demand for the apartments is great.
“The conditions under which these 60 apartments will be sold, leased or rented out have not been finalized. We have not determined who the occupants will be. I should tell you that there are several applications. Applications are coming in daily because of the demand for housing in Dominica, and certainly one can understand why the Government has taken that position to construct these apartments in an attempt to satisfy some of that demand,” stated George.
Housing is one of the key platforms of the Dominica Labour Party administration. Faced with large areas of substandard housing all over the island, government took decisive action a few years ago and embarked on a major Housing Revolution programme.
Millions have been invested in this important government initiative which has seen the construction of houses in Hillsborough Gardens, St. Joseph, the Kalinago Territory, Bellevue Chopin, Savanne Paille, Chance, Portsmouth, Stockfarm and Grand Bay.
The Housing Revolution also includes a “Home Renovation and Sanitation Programme” where over twenty million dollars has already been spent directly impacting the lives of over two thousand people in almost every community across Dominica.
just an observation. but who is the director of lands? i cannot ever remember seeing his face on any media source much more to comment on the bath estate housing project.
Good news for the area but I hope they are not going to build in the flooded area when heavy rain fall.
Future homes for the Chinese colonists in their new Colony, Dominica.Soon the PRC flag will be flying in downtown Roseau capital of their new colony or at their Navy Base in Portsmouth.
I am working at a housing complex for 20 years. It consist of 23 buildings with 300 units. It’s properly maintained, its run by a private company but regulated by the department of Housing and Urban development. A least must go along with renting. The units must be maintain and proper procedures needs to be implemented.
I HOPE THESE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO PAY A FEE OF SOME SORT TO LIVE THERE. WE LIKE THINGS FREE TOO OFTEN. THERE IS A COST ASSOCIATED WITH EVERYTHING AND SOMEONE SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THAT COST. EVERYONE SHOULD BE GIVEN A LEASE AND REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN THAT LEASE AND IF NOT YOU WILL BE KICKED OUT.
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Hope the lucky owners and tenants respect their new homes.
One non political question. Where is the sewage for this project going? Not directly into the Roseau river I hope. Can anyone answer that please. This is important.
Come on people do you really think it’s very poor people that are gonna live in these apartments…I’m sue they won’t cost 50 dollars a month in rent…..rent is not gonna be accoording to your salary…….I’m sure there will be aa fix price…and I think that the government assisted living areas that I’ve seen abroad…where the buildings are high rise……the area tend to be cleaner……create rules……no hanging of laundry in areas thatwill look unsightly……every porch with laundry on it will look unsightly
I think the unit sizes are ok……8 apartment per building sound ok………when the units are smaller in govermnent assisted communities…..the area seems more messy…………….if the building is VEry large with lots of apartments……….it is not a good thing either
all de opposition can do is oppose i really think they should consider using another term instead of opposition so that one day they cud swallow their pride and admit one good thing being done
in a less than 10 years the area will be known for drug and violence…Elmshall will be the new ghetto! if you give free acomodation to poor people do you seriously think that you are not creating socially deprived area? It wont have Beverly Hills there you will have Petare Barrio de Pakistan very soon there…
hope they are built to withstand the hurricanes and tropical storms we experience in DA..this is my main concern good luck to all who will get them
Mr P.M ….I see that you have project going on all over the land. When will be our frist trip to the moon ? can’t wait for that.
Well, at least some D/cans will benefit from this new housing project.
They are two and three bedrooms. I expect they are being built for families as those with children or those who reside with parents and vice versa.
Purchasing or renting is a wise idea. The government must recoup the cost of constructing those buildings and maintenance once the tenants take up occupancy.
Ahh…can’t you smell that? That’s the smell of upcoming elections…
DO you know What? You’re an idiot who can’t see anything beyond politics. Or maybe you’ve been told so all your life.May I also add, there’s probably no benefit in it for you.
you are so right, and only labourites will get them, we have become a bunch of “take what we get at any cost”people. I pray that these apts. last longer than some of the house that were built by the chinese
it doesn’t matter once it’s good say it’s good that is progress
should more go in to smaller units, most countries arround stopping those barres that usualy turn in to getho barres
exactly, social housing projects are 100% way to create a new ghetto. Look for examples: Cabrini Green in Chicago, look for Council Houses in the UK
instead of creating normal environment for people to work, make money and to be able to purchase the property, instead of all this you throw to people houses and develop the culture of dependency…
I hope my pal rep set me up with one of these houses I shout enough labour power during the election remember me de malaway labourrrrrrrrrr
60three bedroom apartments to be completed in one year………..the pic above shows about 10 seperate buildings and large ones I think….are these apartments going to be really spacious…large bedrooms batheooms and litchens????….anyways lots of people gonna get jobs soon
About 5 apartments per building ….and these building look huge….well poor people gonna get some spacoius apartments
Thiny, they do not comprehend your sense of humor or sarcasm, giving you thumbs down. You made me laugh.
I thought, it is high time they get a decent place to live with ample space, making them happy and comfortable. It will be their mansion. O Happy Day!
smoke detectors in every room…people will have to open their window when they burning sugar to make gravy browning cause it will set off the smoke alarm
And these apartments better have central coolong and elevator for the elderly who live with their loveones…..
Central cooling? Will people be able to afford the utility bill? Open windows with mosquito nets and proper insulation and height should be sufficient.
They will have to pay careful attention to gravy-browning and not keep the heat on the stove high.
Some indoor fire alarms are very sensitive to smoke. They are not only alarms. They are also smoke detectors. At the slightest smoke fume they will sound. Therefore, if it is only a minor smoke fume, the tenants must keep their front door closed otherwise the outer alarm, if there is one in the hallway which I expect, it will sound. This will cause other tenants to conclude that there is a fire in the building.
What about the Elmshall people, they did not want a school next door, the devalue there land and retirement homes. Can you all think what a housing scheme will do to them.
About these apartments, it is nice that the gov’t is at least thinking of having people buy, rent/lease these units – instead of giving it out for free. It teaches people responsibility, pride and gives them a sense of ownership (if they buy).
On a more general note, since these projects are financed through loans… the government should have some say in terms of the construction process. It seems all these monies from China (whether loans or grants) will finance projects built only by the Chinese. It means that all the cost of labor, material and interest on these loans are going right back to China… as they intended. So they are really not giving much. In addition, their companies get bragging rights and are able to add such projects to their portfolio, making these Chinese companies even more competitive.
So where are the crumbs for our local contractors? It think these projects, esp when financed thru loans should have an open bid system to be inclusive of local contractors. That’s how they gain experience.
So while I applaud the government’s efforts for getting these projects underway, there should be some stipulations for local contractors to be included in these projects. If enough of these local contractors scream, them maybe the government will listen. China won’t even let foreign companies open in China without a domestic partner… Not sure if they’ve changed that policy, but it’s anti-competitive and wreaks neo-nationalism! Dominica cannot just take what the Chinese are pushing down their throats. Else we’ll be so indebted to China that they will want to claim that Dominica is a runaway province… like Taiwan! And that since Dominica adheres to the One-China policy, that this is consent to the annexation to the Chinese empire! Somebody scream!!!!
When governments negotiate contracts on behalf of their citizens they have to assess whether they will receive the outcomes their citizens desire.
According to Ghanian economist George Ayittey, for every $1 of funding by Americans they receive 60 cents back, for Europe it is 80 cents, for China it is $1.20. In other words the Chinese government is profiting pretty heavily at the expense of Dominica and Dominicans.
They are planning a new colony, Dominica. They will also most likely try and build a Navy Base at Portsmouth after completely taking over the island and the no country will be able to do anything about that without war. Their main plans is expansion in the Caribbean and Atlantic region by bribing governments first.Once they get a foot in the door all they have to give it is a swift kick and the whole house will come crashing down.
TO Value for Money
The opening statement of your comment sounds good,but not realistic at all and does not pertain to our Government,we come to the table with no leverage, we are dealing with a super power the Country which has the second largest economy in the world.The Country with the largest economy in the world the mighty USA negotiates with The Chines very diplomatically it even looks like they are sometimes giving in to the Chinese as not to upset them would you describe that as weakness on part of the US, of course not.
I would like to ask you, have we not profited form our relationship with the Chinese Government, Isn’t the Chinese profiting from the bonds it holds and purchases from the US, would you say the US in not benefiting when the Chinese Governments buys their bonds, just food for thought.
you are so right but as far a I can see Dominica belongs to China, we owe them so much that soon they will be coming to claim their land..we are already sold.. you watch and see there will be few Dominicans working on this project
Why don’t you understand something before making foolish political statements.The money given by China to financed such project is not your stranded loan agreement.This is a concessionary loan, a loan bearing no interest or a rate of interest that is below the average cost, this you do not seem to understand, without such financing a project like this cannot be financed by our Government and the dream of affordable housing for some would not materialize. The DLP under Patrick John borrowed money from the Caribbean Development bank to build the Bath Estate Housing scheme this became a costly ordeal for the Government with missed payments and interest cost.You also need to understand that with concessionary loans there are procurement agreements, so your augment our Government should should have some say in terms of the construction process employing local contractors is silly, that is the way these loans are given, plus it helps the donor country to make sure that the money is well spent.You also need to know that local suppliers do benefit since materials are bought for construction putting money into the economy.
Your statement quote “Dominica cannot just take what the Chinese are pushing down their throats.”
This is such nonsense coming from you.Why would you think such an agreement is pushed down the throats of Dominicans.Did we not get what we needed at affordable financing that other wise would be impossible. When this project is finished
To AP George
Why don’t you understand something before making foolish political statements.The money given by China to financed such project is not your stranded loan agreement.This is a concessionary loan, a loan bearing no interest or a rate of interest that is below the average cost, this you do not seem to understand, without such financing a project like this cannot be financed by our Government and the dream of affordable housing for some would not materialize. The DLP under Patrick John borrowed money from the Caribbean Development bank to build the Bath Estate Housing scheme this became a costly ordeal for the Government with missed payments and interest cost.You also need to understand that with concessionary loans there are procurement agreements, so your augment our Government should should have some say in terms of the construction process employing local contractors is silly, that is the way these loans are given, plus it helps the donor country to make sure that the money is well spent.You also need to know that local suppliers do benefit since materials are bought for construction putting money into the economy.
Your statement quote “Dominica cannot just take what the Chinese are pushing down their throats.”
This is such nonsense coming from you.Why would you think such an agreement is pushed down the throats of Dominicans.Did we not get what we needed at affordable financing that other wise would be impossible. When this project is finished
providing affordable to your fellow Dominicans I wonder if you would repeat such nonsense to them. The last paragraph of you comment contains such foolish rhetoric,based on ignorance without looking at facts to support what you say.
Good time to bulldoze alot of these building that poor people live in…I hope that is part of the plan…..and those in office need to start working and see to it that anyone who builds has obtained a permit……andthe building goes as planned…if not stop the construction of any such building……
DNO – Could you report the amount of this “soft” loan and interest rate if you have it?
Since we have to repay this loan to China, and we have used it to pay a Chinese firm/workers, I wonder if there wouldn’t be an economic tax benefit to taking out a regular loan and paying Dominican workers. Their salary is at least taxed in Dominica and they contribute to social security, not to mention broader spending in the economy. In effect this is what China is doing, and we get more buildings that we have to find funds to maintain while having a new loan to repay.
Since we do suffer from high unemployment and a depressed economy, taking a loan and injecting those funds into the Dominican market would seem to make more sense for us. Maybe someone with more experience in economics can shed further light.
So dey state house did not cost 27million? The 27 million included the emshall houses, and the state college.
What work they are doing people from chiana
ho non pas la dominica une si belle isle quelle gachie cest moi je di non est non pas dacore avec cela va devenir comme les chinoi ou cette france
Construction on a NEW PROJECT, FUNDED by CHINA is being BUILT by CHINA ITSELF. Where are our CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES? ARE THEY NOT TRUSTWORTHY?
How dependable and trustworthy is the “Shanghai Construction Company?”
I do not even have to ask, but are DOMINICANS employed in this venture? I know that wherever and whenever CHINESE are involved they usually come with ALL of their EMPLOYEES. It would be a crying shame is such is the case.
well they complained about the road to the airport. the local people building it. tell me, “how long is this road being built at this moment?” hell no let the chinese build it
Awesome!
The provision of decent, affordable housing is commendable. However, we must once again ask where the local construction companies are in these programmes?
Mr. Savarin, when a minister was challenged on this, without giving an adequate answer so I challenge our Govt. again to categorically confirm that the Shanghai Construction Company does not use “Laogai” labour i.e forced prison labour in the execution of their projects, nor that anywhere else labour of this kind is/has been employed in Dominica.
The existence of this practice inside China is well known but the reporting of it is forbidden as Al Jazeera found out when its English news service was expelled from that country in 2012 for disobeying this order.
It would be intolerable if we, as a people who fought for deliverance from slavery, would condone this to take place on our soil.
Jay i find you to be very ungrateful, we must say thank you to the Chinese government for assisting us, the gesture is a good one that will benefit our most vulnerable in our midst.
The Chinese ENGAGED in projects here do not appear to look as if they are under any form of bondage, if they are prisoners then they are happy to be away from the prison and is enjoying a good life in a Caribbean island. What a great punishment eh!!!! LMAO
You ppl are disgusting i must say…. I promise to build you a house you want to tell me who should build it? eh!!! i mean seriously? Then build it on your own pocket boss that’s what i say!!!
Praise Jah the MASSES on island are not as UNGRATEFUL as you!!!!!!!
Are Dominicans getting jobs from them
I guess Dominica is sold for chaina
Say one, say two, but that Labour government really working. I doh like them so much but I cya say they not working
lobour working ppl that do want to go an look for work to do just bad.
In all honesty u give Jack his Jacket.
one hundred precent
lol lol allyu have kix wi de chinese working not this government cause all d money that we so desperately need going rite back to china. imagine the company building the houses are in need of workers since on some days they are at emlshall while some days they are at bath estate. when they are at one site the other sits idle for the day. are u telling me that some dominicans cannot be employed by this company since there is obviously work to be done? i mean the world has treated the black man as a fool for many generations is my generation going to be the same? some ppl jus saying oh once is development we should be happy regardless of how it is done i wud say to them well stop grudge drug dealers and prostitutes because u are an advocate for anything for a dollar