The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY PRIME Minister Philip Davis yesterday insisted that the government’s Small Home Repair project is transparent and can “withstand any inquiry”.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Mr Davis said it was the government’s intention to only spend $1 million on the project, but the needs of the people led to its expansion to $10 million.

“The commission currently has more than 500 requests from homeowners in the various areas in hand. Of those requests, the commission has executed and mobilised 102 contracts in 17 constituencies throughout New Providence,” he said.

“Contractors are working hard to cause many homeowners to enjoy the Christmas season, sheltered from nature’s elements.

“As we speak the commission is processing applications from homeowners and advocates to facilitate, execute and mobilise 300 hundred contracts ahead of Christmas.

“As a consequence, in excess of $3 million will be injected into the economy now. The commission’s staff has committed themselves to working late into the evening on weekdays and all day Saturdays to ensure that this goal is met.

“The next batch for mobilisation of Small Home Repairs will be processes in early 2014.”

Mr Davis said urgent attention is being given to the recommendations of MPs in New Providence and Social Services staff on behalf of the elderly and disabled.

He said: “Consideration for urgent house repairs have been given where the need is greatest and most transparent, for instance in Bain and Grants Town, Centreville, Englerston, Killarney, Montagu, Nassau Village, just to name a few.

“The small programme will be pursued with the same sense of urgency and compassion in the Family Islands, particularly Grand Bahama and Abaco.”