{"id":313855,"date":"2023-12-14T00:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T04:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=313855"},"modified":"2023-12-14T16:47:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T20:47:40","slug":"housing-minister-government-housing-recovery-project-shows-commitment-to-creating-a-more-inclusive-and-just-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/housing-minister-government-housing-recovery-project-shows-commitment-to-creating-a-more-inclusive-and-just-nation\/","title":{"rendered":"Housing minister: Government Housing Recovery Project shows ‘commitment to creating a more inclusive and just nation’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Melissa Poponne-Skerrit delivering remarks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seventy-three (73) more families across Dominica received keys to their newly constructed climate-resilient homes under the Government of Dominica Housing Recovery Project (HRP) yesterday. Of this cohort, 22 are identified members of the Kalinago community and 44% of the total grantees are women.<\/p>\n

The beneficiaries were handed over their keys during the fourth handing-over ceremony held at the State House Conference Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt brings me immense joy and honour to stand before you today as we celebrate this festive season. It is a time of giving, a time for spreading joy, and a time for new beginnings,\u201d Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit said while delivering remarks. \u201cAnd today, I am honoured to share with you a significant accomplishment that embodies the true spirit of this holiday.\u201d<\/p>\n

She continued, \u201cToday marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing communities through the Housing Recovery Project.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the minister, the homes were built to safe and secure standards at no cost to hundreds of families across the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis remarkable achievement is possible due to the policies of this government and its commitment to ensuring affordable housing for so many of our citizens,\u201d Poponne-Skerrit stated.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, she said under this initiative a total of US$40 million was allocated towards the construction of these homes.<\/p>\n

She thanked the World Bank for its partnership and collaboration.<\/p>\n

Poponne-Skerrit also used the opportunity to emphasize that this is a demonstration of their support and belief in Dominica\u2019s development and its responsible and transparent financial management.<\/p>\n

She went on to state that to this date the HRP has delivered a total of 176 homes since its inception.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition, this year alone, the Government of Dominica has handed over 176 new homes under different initiatives,\u201d Poponne-Skerrit revealed. \u201cThese 176 homes have been given a fresh start and a new chapter in their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed out that the housing program goes beyond just affordable housing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is part of a larger strategy to combat poverty and inequity in our society,\u201d she noted. \u201cIt is a testament to our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and just nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Poponne-Skerrit continued, \u201cIt is about strengthening the fabric and neighbourhoods, and creating a sense of belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added, \u201cIt is focused on creating a stable environment that fosters growth and prosperity and so we continue to diligently build on our revolutionary initiative, ensuring that every deserving family finds solace in a safe and comfortable shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n

She told those listening who are awaiting housing or land opportunities to not be discouraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you don\u2019t currently possess land and you are seeking to purchase property for development, I invite you to visit the Ministry of Housing where we can present you with state-owned land for your investment,\u201d Poponne-Skerrit urged.<\/p>\n

She said the Government of Dominica is well on its way to fulfilling its mandate of building 5000 resilient homes by 2030.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist and Task team leader from the World Bank, Suranga Kahandawa who delivered remarks remotely said he is delighted to see another batch of 73 homes to be handed over to their happy owners.<\/p>\n

\u201cHomes are the centerpiece of our lives, therefore investments to improve the resilience of the housing sector are very important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said also the Government of Dominica has taken many initiatives to strengthen the resilience of the housing sector as well as the broader resilience of the country.<\/p>\n

He congratulated all the beneficiaries who received their keys today to their new resilient homes.<\/p>\n