Focus for 2014 on housing development
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas told the nation that unlike 2012, this year the Construction Industry has shown significant growth and the government’s focus would be on housing development for the 2014 fiscal year.
Dr. Douglas was at the time delivering his Budget Address on Tuesday (Dec. 10).
The PM, who is also the Minister of Finance, revealed that the Construction Industry grew by some 7.3 percent in 2013, unlike 2012 in which there was a decline of 10.3 percent.
“This country has made significant strides during a very difficult period as a result of an appropriate mix of policies that have strengthened our economy, placing us one step ahead and poised for greater achievements. The rewards of our hard work can be seen in the rebound of the Construction Sector which is projected to expand by 7.3 percent in 2013 after recording a decline in economic activity of 10.3 percent in 2012. This turnaround could not have been accomplished without the hard work, perseverance and vision of this government in fostering beneficial partnerships with local institutions. The continued upgrade of our public infrastructure is vital in ensuring that we are able to attract added investment.”
He explained that his government has been very proactive in carrying out infrastructural work in upgrading roads, highways and roundabouts on the island.
To this end, he told Parliament that such works are done to improve the environment and the safety of persons utilising the roadways.
“The objective of this project is to improve environmental and safety issues for all individuals who traverse the roads extending from the eastern end of the Basseterre Bay Road to the most southern end of the Highway. To date, work has been completed to alleviate drainage issues at the Zenway Boulevard roundabout as well as the bushing and the resurfacing of the road to Cockleshell Bay.”
He added that works are also being done to rectify drainage problems which would help prevent erosion or runoff during and after the hurricane period in specific areas.
“In addition, extensive work continues to improve drainage conditions in the Ponds Pasture area, terracing at Timothy Hill to stabilise the soil and reduce the velocity of surface runoff to prevent erosion, and the construction of a roundabout at the junction of the Kim Collins Highway and the Frigate Bay Road.”
One new initiative that the government would be undertaking in the 2014 fiscal year is called the “Habitat Independence 30”, which is geared at providing some 300 solar-panel powered homes.
“This initiative will be undertaken in partnership with the SIDF providing an opportunity for a segment of our citizens to achieve energy independence while controlling their household expenditure for the use of this utility,” he explained.
It was also explained that the government would embark on a new housing policy which would see the development of more houses in the Federation, which would complement the existing Building Material Incentive Programme (BMIP) that would expires at the end of 2013.
“In 2014, we will undertake the development of a Housing Policy that will guide the future development of the Housing Sector; promoting equity, access and affordability by devising specific action plans and approaches that will further improve access by vulnerable groups, protection of the environment, conservation and rehabilitation of existing housing and enhancement of the quality of the housing constructed.
“Our efforts were not solely angled at stimulating growth but also to empower our citizens through land and home ownership. In June of this year, my government approved the distribution of 500 additional residential lots ranging from 4 000 square feet to 15 000 square feet in several areas around the island of St. Kitts. This wide range of options for the purchase of land has been devised to accommodate persons from all economic classes, as we continue to ensure the upward mobility of our citizens through land and home ownership,” Dr. Douglas explained.
He noted that over the years the SIDF continued to partner with the government to stimulate the construction sector as it continues to provide financing under the “Fund for the Realization of Economic Empowerment through Subsidised Housing and the Equity Assistance Fund”.
Those programmes, he stressed, have seen 123 applicants being approved and some 473 overall since its inception in 2012, noting that so far they have added 400 construction-related jobs to which $11 million has been disbursed for the construction of 89 homes in St Kitts.
“Priority will be given to recommendations on the use of alternative building materials to reduce the cost of construction, bearing in mind the finite access to natural resources, our susceptibility to natural disasters, and resource efficiency designs such as the use of green and alternate energy sources, natural lighting and high efficiency toilets as a means of reducing operating costs in both existing and future housing stock. As we continue to take bold steps in transforming our nation, my government calls on the support and partnership of all stakeholders,” the Finance Minister said.
