The Government of Montserrat plans to construct eight additional social housing units over the next 18 months, advancing Phase 1 of the Drummonds Housing Project.
This project already features two apartment blocks.
Minister for Housing, the Honourable John P. Osborne, confirmed that funding for four of the eight new apartments has already been secured.
He outlined that the Department of Housing intends to continue phase one of the social housing development at Drummonds over the next 12 to 18 months.
The current plans provide for the construction of two multi-storey residential blocks with four housing units in each block, providing a total of eight social housing units.
Mr. Osborne explained that the units will “comprise a mix of one bedroom and two bedroom accommodation and are intended in part to address the need to replace existing family housing units that have become derelict and have exceeded their useful lifespan.”
According to him the ministry is currently undertaking the necessary planning, design, funding and procurement arrangements to advance this development, explaining that these processes are essential to ensuring that the project is appropriately designed, adequately funded and procured in accordance with the applicable requirements.
He noted that the commencement and timing of construction will therefore depend on successful completion of these processes and the availability of the necessary financial and other resources.
“The continuation of phase one at Drummonds forms part of the ministry’s broad efforts to increase the supply of suitable and affordable social housing for individuals and families in need. The government remains committed to addressing the housing needs of our community and to making prudent and effective use of the resources available to support the provision of safe, suitable and affordable housing,” he stated.