Dominica Celebrates New Homes for 42 Families Under Housing Recovery Initiative
In a significant move towards rebuilding and resilience, 42 families in Dominica have been given the keys to their new, durable homes as part of the Housing Recovery Project (HRP). Among these beneficiaries, 15 are from the Kalinago Territory, highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive support nationwide. This momentous occasion was marked by a ceremony at the State House Conference Centre.
Launched in 2019, the HRP, driven by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, aims to provide strong housing solutions for those severely affected by Hurricane Maria. Housing Minister Melissa Poponne-Skerrit highlighted the project’s role as a beacon of hope for families facing challenges from financial burdens to the threat of severe weather. The handover of these 42 homes represents a significant step towards achieving the goal of resilient housing capable of withstanding future hurricanes.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the government’s understanding of the profound importance of housing. Reflecting on the past, he noted the transformative shift from a time when citizens had to rebuild from scraps post-disaster to the present, where government support for housing construction is a reality. This change underscores a fundamental belief in the dignity and security that come with homeownership.
Furthermore, about 90 other homes are under various stages of construction, signifying ongoing efforts to bolster the housing sector against disasters. The HRP not only focuses on building new homes but also employs a beneficiary-driven approach, engaging 49 local contractors in the process. Dr. Genora Joseph, the project’s manager, underscored the initiative’s alignment with Dominica’s climate resilience goals and its commitment to sustainable development.
The World Bank’s Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Suranga Kahandawa, acknowledged the strategic importance of constructing homes that are resistant to hurricanes and earthquakes. This approach, along with efforts to retrofit existing vulnerable houses, is pivotal to ensuring families can remain safely in their homes after disasters.
This latest round of home handovers, following the distribution of 73 homes just three months prior, illustrates the rapid progress being made in Dominica’s housing recovery and resilience efforts. The collaborative push towards building safer communities reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a secure and sustainable future for all Dominicans.
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