On Wednesday, December 13th, 2023, Dominica celebrated another significant milestone in its journey towards its resilience. Seventy-three families, including 22 members of the Kalinago community, were handed keys to their new, climate-resilient homes as part of the Government of Dominica Housing Recovery Project (HRP). The handing-over ceremony, held at the State House Conference Center is the fourth time.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, expressed joy and pride at the ceremony, emphasizing the spirit of giving and new beginnings this holiday season brings. “Today, we stand together, witnessing a significant step in our commitment to rebuild and rejuvenate our communities through the HRP,” she stated.
Hon. Poponne-Skerrit highlighted that these homes, constructed to high safety standards, were provided free of cost, further cementing the government’s promise of affordable housing, an initiative, supported by a US$40 million allocation for its citizens.
The minister extended gratitude to the World Bank for their partnership and collaboration in this endeavor. She emphasized that these efforts demonstrate support for Dominica’s development and the government’s responsible and transparent financial management.
To date, the HRP has delivered a total of 176 homes, with 2023 alone seeing 176 new homes handed over under various initiatives. “These homes represent new beginnings and fresh starts for the families,” Hon. Poponne-Skerrit noted.
The minister stressed that the housing program is more than just providing affordable housing; it’s a broader strategy to combat poverty and inequity in Dominica. “It’s about strengthening community bonds, fostering growth, and ensuring every family has a safe, comfortable shelter,” she added.
She encouraged those awaiting housing or land opportunities to remain hopeful, inviting them to explore state-owned land for development through the Ministry of Housing.
Hon. Poponne-Skerrit affirmed the government’s goal of building 5,000 resilient homes by 2030. Suranga Kahandawa, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist from the World Bank, congratulated the beneficiaries remotely, highlighting the importance of resilient homes in people’s lives. He commended the government’s initiatives to strengthen housing and broader national resilience.
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