Major Shipment of Building Materials Arrives to Boost Housing Assistance for the Indigent
Over EC$1 Million in Lumber and Galvanize to Support Vulnerable Households Under HAPI
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced the arrival of a major shipment of building materials valued at more than EC$1 million, which will soon be distributed to poor and indigent households across the nation under the Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI) initiative.
The materials — including lumber and galvanize — arrived on the island on Tuesday, and were observed being transported from the port to a secure location ahead of the distribution phase.
Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne said the shipment represents a significant expansion of the Government’s housing support programme, noting that this is the largest amount of building materials imported into Antigua and Barbuda at any one time for such a purpose.
“I believe it is the single largest amount of building material to be imported in the country at any given point,” Prime Minister Browne stated.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that the shipment is only the beginning of a sustained programme of investment aimed at improving housing conditions for vulnerable citizens.
“This is just a start… there will be several additional purchases made during this year and it will continue on an annual basis until we see a significant improvement in the housing stock… not only in terms of new homes, but also repairs,” he said.
Minister for Social and Urban Transformation, the Honourable Rawdon Turner, welcomed the arrival of the materials, describing it as a major step forward for the HAPPI initiative and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every vulnerable household receives assistance.
“The Prime Minister has given me a mandate to ensure that every poor person or indigent person in this country… we will make an intervention this year to change their lives and the lives of their family members,” Minister Turner said.
Minister Turner also encouraged eligible residents to apply for assistance through the established process, noting that applications can be made at the Social Protection Board.
Applicants will be required to complete an application form, after which a site inspection will be conducted to determine eligibility and the type of assistance needed.
Once approved, the materials will be delivered to the homeowner, and where necessary, estimates will be prepared to support the intervention.
Minister Turner further underscored that the programme is open to all eligible residents, regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing that the initiative is designed solely to help those in need.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to strengthening social protection programmes and improving the quality of life and living conditions of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
