The Tribune

TWENTY-three Bahamian companies have been awarded contracts to complete the first phase of the government-funded house building programme on Strachan’s Hill Estate on Fire Trail Road. Further construction is planned to start soon in Grand Bahama and on providing more new homes in the Fire Trail Subdivision and Romer Street in Fox Hill.

Kenred Dorsett, Minister of the Environment and Housing, said the contracts demonstrated the government’s commitment to helping Bahamians achieve home ownership and provide employment predominately to Bahamian men.

The Strachan Hill development is funded by the Housing Ministry’s $2.5m grant from the National Insurance Board (NIB). Mr Dorsett said three homes are near to completion which have new floor plans and exterior design. They have been fitted with modern windows and will have solar-powered water heaters and photovoltaic systems.

“These homes were constructed using modern building methods with a view to lowering the cost of construction without losing square footage or quality,” he said. “This is an attempt to offer dwelling homes for sale which more Bahamians can afford.”

In addition, the existing homes of Strachan’s Hill that have not yet been occupied will be repaired and reassigned. The new occupants of those also will be given the option of having solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems installed.

Mr Dorsett said the construction process will be different from previous years as private inspectors have been retained. He said his intention is to provide value for money as much as possible, being mindful that purchasing a home is a lifelong investment for most people. “It is imperative, however, that those who want to avail themselves of home ownership now and in the future prepare by saving and ensuring that they are not burdened with debt.”

Construction in Grand Bahama and of new homes in Fire Trail Subdivision and Romer Street in Fox Hill will begin when the second tranche of funding is received from the National Insurance Board.