Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, has announced that 172 beneficiaries have obtained land ownership papers as part of the government’s Housing Recovery Project (HRP).
She made the announcement during a handover ceremony at the State House Conference Centre on Thursday, where 60 families were given keys to their new homes.
“Based on these construction figures we are at 83 percent of our target,” she told me. “Also, to date, 172 beneficiaries have received their land ownership documentation as a result of this project.”
She stated that for families who have faced years of uncertainty and suffering, the opportunity to own their land and home is a lifelong goal that represents a lasting investment in their futures.
These family’ homes were damaged by Hurricane Maria, which devastated the country in 2017.
“So, in cases like this, what would you say to a single mother trying to make ends meet after her home was destroyed? Or a retired farmer who is no longer physically capable of working? Do you send them as a government to the bank knowing they would be rejected?” Poponne-Skerrit inquired.
Furthermore, she disclosed that 285 homes have been constructed under this program thus far, “and as we speak, 67 homes are currently under construction under the HRP, and 27 are in advanced stages for delivery in the coming months.”
She went further: “So, this project goes beyond rebuilding homes, it’s rebuilding lives.”
Poponne-Skerrit stated that Hurricane Maria’s impact on the Kalinago Territory and the north-eastern region is also of great concern, and that these places have received investments in the Housing Recovery Project, with 90 dwellings already turned over in the Kalinago Territory alone.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, who represented Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, stated that this ceremony underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the Dominican people, as well as its resolve to establish a resilient nation in which every person can prosper.
“Standing here, I am filled with immense pride as we celebrate yet another significant milestone in our journey towards providing modern and resilient housing for our people,” he told us.
She went on: “Today we hand over the keys to dignity, security, and opportunity, and what a fitting time to do so, days before Christmas you are being handed the keys to a new life for yourselves and for your families.”
He stated that a home is more than just a set of walls and a roof. It’s a place where families come together, children grow, and dreams are realized.
“Housing is a fundamental human need and providing it to our people is an essential part of our mission to foster social and economic development across Dominica,” he told us. “This handover of homes to 60 deserving families marks another achievement in our comprehensive housing program which has spanned many years.”
Dr. McIntyre stated that the government’s housing revolution has strengthened communities, empowered families, “and contributed to our broader vision of sustainable development across Dominica.”
