Basseterre, St. Kitts. March 6, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Housing, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, has acknowledged challenges in his administration meeting the projected target of 600 homes under the government’s agreement with East Coast Housing Development. However, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering on its housing promises, with the National Housing Corporation (NHC) actively working to fulfill the needs of Kittitians and Nevisians.
Speaking at a press conference on March 6, Dr. Hanley confirmed that despite the setbacks, significant progress has been made, with 140 homes already completed. This, he noted, is a record achievement for a two-and-a-half-year span, according to NHC statistics.
Dr. Hanley acknowledged that delays in the East Coast Housing Development project have hindered the initial goal of constructing 600 homes.
However, he clarified that the delays were primarily due to challenges faced by the investor rather than the government itself.
“We engage the East Coast Housing Development in assisting us in delivering some homes. Unfortunately, the 600 homes that we were anticipating with all of the challenges that we might have been experiencing, not us so much as a government but the investor, that has caused some delays,” Dr. Hanley explained.
Despite the setbacks, Dr. Hanley assured the public that the Attorney General’s Office is actively working to safeguard the government’s financial interests in the joint venture.
“Based on the contractual arrangement that we would have signed, the AG’s office, of course, is working on ensuring that the government’s interest, which it is, is protected,” he assured.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing affordable housing, highlighting that multiple investors have submitted proposals for new projects. The government is currently reviewing these proposals to ensure continued home construction.
“We are going through these proposals. The new method, the technology that was introduced… it took a longer time in terms of buy-in, but we are working on all of those,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
While the East Coast Housing Development project remains under review, Dr. Hanley emphasized that NHC will continue to expand its housing efforts.
Dr. Hanley also assured the public that efforts remain focused on fulfilling housing demands efficiently and transparently.
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