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HOME	APRIL 23rd, 2005

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APR 23

In the face of mounting attacks from the opposition on the slow pace at which houses are being reconstructed on the island following the widespread devastation of the housing stock by Hurricane Ivan, government has re-iterated that housing will continue to receive top priority. In presenting the 2005 budget, Minister of Finance announced that the Government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has given approval to a Housing Recovery Plan at a cost of EC$61.5 million. This plan involves:-

* Home reconstruction for 500 families whose homes were completely destroyed by the hurricane (grants)

* Materials provision to assist 2000 low-income families with their home repairs

* A revolving soft loan facility for 500 families which do not qualify as most vulnerable

* Establishment of new residential settlements in six (6) areas to accommodate 500 families. Minister Boatswain told parliament that Phase 1 of the Plan includes the construction of 225 homes and the repairing of 1125 roofs for vulnerable groups at a cost of $10.7 million. To date, he said that 50 homes have been completed and 1200 roofs repaired at a cost of $7.5million. According to the minister, an additional 152 are under construction and will be completed within the next two months.

"These homes are built to withstand category 3 hurricanes", Boatswain said. To ensure a non-partisan approach to housing, he pointed out that government initiated the establishment of Village Housing Committees to select the beneficiaries. "Government is grateful to all persons who have volunteered to serve on these committees", he remarked.

The senior government minister disclosed that with the support of Venezuela, work has commenced in Lacalome, St. David's to construct 130 low cost houses. He said the Grenada Government is responsible for infrastructure for this settlement, which is estimated to cost EC$1 million. He also told parliament that consultations have started for new residential settlements in Soubise/Marquis in St. Andrew's and Frequente in St. George's.

The settlement in Soubise/Marquis will seek to relocate 50 households living in disaster-prone areas, he said. In Frequente, consideration is being given to multi-family units and apartments. Parliament was also told that settlements are being planned for Douglaston in St. John's, Dunfermline in St. Andrew's, Beausejour in St.George's, Lacapierre in Carriacou and in St. Patrick.

In addition, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an additional 1200 homes will be repaired at cost of US$5 million. USAID will also finance 150 new low-income houses for persons who lost their homes and are considered most vulnerable at a cost of US$9 million.

The People's Republic of China has also agreed to construct 2000 homes, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Grenada and Mainland China. Minister Boatswain also said that 3,600 low income and working class Grenadians whose homes were partially or completely destroyed by the hurricane will receive some form of assistance during the year. He said: "Mr. Speaker, the Holy Bible declares, "righteousness exalts a Nation".

Our Government is deeply concerned about the physical devastation of our churches or 'houses of prayer'. We believe churches play a critical role in the spirituality of this Nation and should function at their full capacity. "In this regard, Government will provide concessions on building materials and other equipment as well as other forms of assistance, where possible, to enable the churches to play their rightful role in this Country", he added.