Government
Government Committed To Phased Redevelopment Of Communities
There is nothing like opening your windows and doors and taking in the atmosphere of a vibrant community with beautiful gardens and green spaces for recreation and homes that have been beautified and fortified to withstand climatic shocks.
And this is what Government proposes to do, through the Urban Renewal Project in the Water Housing and Infrastructure Sector in The City, which will bring about the transformation of some communities in St. Michael, on a phased basis, in the coming months.
The project will be funded by a USD $34.2 million loan from the Saudi Fund for Development. It will improve the housing stock and make homes more hurricane resilient in Chapman Lane, and its suburbs, which lie between President Kennedy Drive, Westbury Road, Baxters Road, Tudor Street, Princess Alice Highway, and Prescod Boulevard, in phase one.
During a recent interview with the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, spoke about the importance of urban regeneration and vibrant communities in the context of increased commercial activity in greater Bridgetown.
Speaking ahead of the debate on the resolution in Parliament recently, the Minister contended that the urban corridor is faced with challenges, which include poor housing conditions, homes that were not climate resilient, overcrowded households, and the absence of basic sanitary conveniences, or waterborne facilities.
Mr. Straughn stressed that the urban regeneration component would upgrade the housing stock of low to middle-income homeowners with a view to making housing more climate resilient, provide more affordable housing, and strengthen the capacity of the Rural and Urban Development Commission in delivering better service to the public.
Apart from revitalising the housing stock, the Minister said phase one would also involve connecting some householders to the Bridgetown Sewage Plant to improve the water quality and sanitation in the communities.
He reasoned: “Urban regeneration is something that is particularly important, given that you’re seeing a lot of commercial development in the greater Bridgetown area, and therefore, we felt it was important that we also had an intervention as it relates to improving not just the housing stock, but, equally, the infrastructure, as it relates to community housing and how people live in the greater Bridgetown area….”
Mr. Straughn continued: “The urban corridor is one of those areas where you still have some level of poverty…. It is important that we address that frontally…. So, this particular intervention is intended to accelerate the building of resilience across the urban corridor.”
He added that the project also involves the installation of water tanks for residents.
Mr. Straughn pointed out, however, that households with relatives having a disability may benefit from a subsidy, based on their situation. “Those living below the poverty line, depending on the needs of the household, may be exempted from paying for the water tank.
“But in general, persons will be required to repay. But obviously, there are some specific exemptions in relation to vulnerability that would be taken into account. But the idea is to make sure that people always have access to potable water,” he underlined.
Meanwhile, in 3rd Avenue Chapman Lane, St. Michael, the residents interviewed by the BGIS were happy to hear the news, with some saying the upgrades were “long in coming”.
Nicole Campbell, who grew up in the area, said the project was a good opportunity for persons in the area who had been plagued with issues of flooded homes and a lack of financial resources to repair the damage.
“I think the project is a good idea and I hope everybody is able to grasp the opportunity to repair their house and I hope that it’s really successful. There are a lot of people who really need the help. Some people’s homes are still not repaired. When we had the hurricane, a couple houses were flooded out, people lost their furniture…. So, in my opinion, the project is a positive one for the community.
“Some people may be able to do improvements where children can have their own rooms and their privacy. There are several families living down here…. Some have moved out to other districts and in some instances, some people are living alone and are unable to do the repairs. So, it’s a good opportunity,” she stated.
Kade Mascoll, also known as Idea the Artist 246, said: “I feel the project is a good thing. Chapman Lane is the centre of Bridgetown. The Bridgetown Port is close by and when the ships come in, the tourists walk through here.
“Barbados is a tourist friendly place, and we try our best to ensure that the tourists feel safe. I … believe that upgrading the housing and facilities is a good thing…. When you travel and go to the first world countries, when you go into the city, it is usually upgraded, vibrant, and it’s the place to be. If you want The City to be the place to be, you have to upgrade it and make it look good,” he maintained.
Another resident, Clarence “Guppa” Watkins, who has been residing in the area for 52 years, said the upgrades were “long in coming”.
“It is something that we were waiting on for years. The fact that it is coming now is a positive thing for poor people. Everyone likes to live in a vibrant community that is peaceful. When the project is completed it will be something that all residents will love!” he emphasised.
Phase II of the project will see upgrades to other communities on the outskirts of Bridgetown, such as Halls Road and the Bayland.
The loan will span over 20 years, with a five-year grace period. It has an annual interest rate of 3.5 per cent, inclusive of natural disaster clauses. (PR/GIS)
