The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has announced that several homes will soon be constructed under the Hinterland Housing Programme in Smith Creek, Region One. This development comes after the completion of empoldering on the designated lands and the arrival of necessary materials.
In a release, it noted that after extensive community consultations, 10 of the most vulnerable families in Smith Creek have been selected to benefit from the programme. The families will each receive elevated timber homes measuring 20×25 feet, providing them with safer and more secure living conditions.
During a meeting with residents on Wednesday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, highlighted that the Hinterland Housing Programme fulfils a promise made by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his 2020 campaign. Minister Croal, along with Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley and Parliamentary Secretary, Sarah Brown, addressed the residents and shared their commitment to improving living standards in the area.
The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, is overseeing the implementation of this initiative, which aims to promote healthier and more sustainable living conditions in Smith Creek. Contracts worth over $20 million have been previously signed for the supply of labour and materials required for the construction of these homes. The labour and timber will be sourced locally from the sub-district, ensuring community involvement in the project.
In addition, Minister Croal announced the government’s plans to allocate funds in the 2024 budget for the development of a new well to serve the community, further improving access to essential resources.
The Regional Chairman Mr. Brentnol Ashley also expressed his satisfaction with the government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Region One residents in various sectors, including housing and education.
The news of the housing program has obviously brought joy to the beneficiaries as Grey Hosea, one of the selected families, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am so happy that the government is providing this home for me and my family because right now I’m living in a house but not so comfortable.”
Another beneficiary, Leon Williams, a father of six, expressed his excitement to begin construction and his belief that the new home will provide safer shelter for his family.
Following the meeting, Minister Croal and his team visited the construction site where several of the homes will be built.
The Hinterland Housing Programme will extend its reach to Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine, further addressing housing needs in those areas as well. It was noted that the initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives and well-being of residents across the hinterland regions.
