The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has commenced clearing and preparing designated sites for the construction of climate-smart homes, marking a significant milestone in the national commitment to affordable, resilient housing. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) announced earlier this week that the first phase of land development has started in Ottley’s, with operations set to expand to Sandy Point and St. Peter’s in the coming days.
Funded in collaboration with East Coast Housing Development Limited, this initiative underscores the government’s dedication to sustainable housing solutions for low and middle income families.
The land preparation in Ottley’s, expected to continue over the week, reflects a solid commitment to the government’s economic sustainability agenda.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew recently emphasised the initiative’s importance for economic growth and community stability in a national address.
In line with its focus on sustainable housing, the NHC has ensured that affordability and quality are at the forefront of the smart homes project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Human Settlement, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, previously outlined the cost of these homes, which make them accessible to a broad range of residents. The two-bedroom climate-smart homes, built by East Coast, are priced at $213,000 and include a ten-year warranty along with the option to upgrade to include energy-efficient appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, and either a solar water heater or a storage tank. The three-bedroom model, priced at $297,000, also includes essential appliances and is competitively priced compared to the traditional NHC-built three-bedroom home, which usually costs $350,000.
Unlike homes under the standard NHC programme, these smart homes will feature energy-saving appliances to help reduce utility expenses for homeowners, further aligning with the government’s sustainable development objectives, noted Dr. Hanley.
The NHC’s wider initiative aims to broaden access to quality housing across the Federation, meeting the growing demand for secure and affordable homes.
With approximately 3,700 home applications on file, the government is actively working to ensure that families, particularly those on lower incomes, can access high-quality housing solutions.
To meet rigorous building code standards, the NHC is working closely with Physical Planning at every stage of development. This adherence to standards will provide residents with safe and resilient housing while supporting the government’s vision for infrastructure capable of withstanding natural disasters.
The NHC has committed to keeping the public informed about the progress of the Smart Homes Initiative, sharing regular updates on construction phases, timelines, and project milestones. The goal is to deliver 2,400 climate-smart homes by 2027, averaging around 600 homes per year, with a total project value estimated at US$227 million.
The initiative officially launched on 18th September, 2023, was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony featuring two model homes for public viewing.
Photo: Excavation equipment at one of the building sites. (Photo credit: NHC)
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