The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Begins Clearing Lands for New Smart Homes

A Major Step Towards Affordable and Climate-Resilient Housing

By Loshaun Dixon

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has started clearing lands for the construction of new smart homes, marking a significant step forward in its mission to provide affordable, high-quality, climate-resilient housing.

"This marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to provide affordable, high-quality, climate-resilient housing to its citizens," the National Housing Corporation (NHC) announced in a statement.

The project, spearheaded by the NHC and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, has begun and will continue throughout this week. The land-clearing operations will extend to St. Peter’s and Sandy Point once work in Ottley’s is complete. "Acres of developmental land earmarked for housing will be cleared and prepped to facilitate the imminent construction of the new smart homes," the NHC confirmed.

This follows the announcement that the East Coast Housing Development Limited (ECHD) and the NHC are moving forward with phase one of a larger housing programme, which promises the construction of more than 2,000 homes across the island. The government agreed with ECHD last year to build 2,400 homes, with 600 expected to be delivered annually.

Earlier this year, two climate-smart model homes were handed over to deserving families in Conaree and Taylor’s Village, marking the commencement of this broader initiative. These model homes are a critical part of the government’s housing agenda, which aims to provide durable and affordable housing options for families as part of its social agenda.

The NHC, in collaboration with Physical Planning, is committed to ensuring that "all housing developments align with building code standards" and are accessible to low- and middle-income families. Additionally, the homes will be turnkey and constructed on lands allocated by the NHC or on pre-owned plots.

According to the NHC, as land-clearing operations progress, updates on project timelines and construction phases will be communicated.

This effort is part of the NHC’s broader goal to increase accessible housing solutions to as many residents as possible, addressing the growing demand for homes while improving the standard of living for families across St. Kitts and Nevis.

Conclusion

The government’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality, and climate-resilient housing is a significant step towards improving the standard of living for families in St. Kitts and Nevis. The land-clearing operations mark an important milestone in the construction of new smart homes, which will be a game-changer for low- and middle-income families.

FAQs

What is the goal of the government’s housing program?
- The government aims to provide affordable, high-quality, and climate-resilient housing to its citizens.
What is the scope of the housing program?
- The program will construct over 2,000 homes across the island, with 600 expected to be delivered annually.
What is the target audience for the new smart homes?
- The homes are designed for low- and middle-income families, with a focus on providing affordable and durable housing options.
When can we expect updates on project timelines and construction phases?
- The NHC will provide updates as land-clearing operations progress.