Contract signed! Another family to benefit from housing assistance
The Virgin Islands government has signed a contract for the construction of a social home under the BVI Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.
E&K Construction, owned by Enos Aaron, has been tasked with the completion of the home for Mrs Irma Connor-Hodge. Although the value of the contract was not disclosed at the signing ceremony yesterday, it was indicated that the length of the contract would be three months.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Minister of Social Development Carvin Malone said it was a very special moment for him.
He said everyone is aware that both hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Virgin Islands back in 2017, and although it might seem like a world apart, housing infrastructure recovery is still ongoing.
“The Housing Recovery Unit continues to work steadily making sure they give analysis to all of the applications. This means that we have much more requests than we have money but with the Housing Development Unit, they have been careful to make a careful analysis of every person coming into the department,” Malone said.
“We are pleased that we are here today to sign with the contractor, and he would be charged with developing the project and ensure sister Irma Connor-Hodge could finally be put to peace because at the end of the day she waited long, and she is a true symbol of patience and perseverance,” the Minister of Social Development added.
The Sixth District Representative Alvaro Maduro-Caines said she is overjoyed with the contract signing. She said she has been advocating for the project for a while and now to see it come to fruition has been pleasing.
“I am grateful for the Ministry of Social Development and the Premier to get the contract signed. When it was signed, I was jumping, and I was elated. Now that the day is finally here, I just begged the contractor please to do this speedily for me,” Maduro-Caines said.
Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Fahie acknowledged the ongoing rebuilding process of homes, businesses and lives in the post-Irma and Maria era. He also noted it will take some time to rebuild and repair both public and private infrastructure. However, the Premier said he wanted to send a message of hope to the people of the territory.
“It is very important for our citizens to know that there is hope. The main thing about leadership in our governments is hope when there is a time of despair, I am very glad that we have been able to bring some hope after many inquiries by the member of the Sixth District, even when she was on the other side of the aisle,” Fahie said.
The contractor Aarons said he was privileged to have been tasked with building the home for ‘Irma’ knowing Hurricane Irma made her homeless.
He noted he only had three months, but he will do everything in his power to get the project going and completed on time.
Fifteen families have benefited from this programme through either repairs or construction of new houses since its inception.
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why are you building a new house for someone who owned their own home but chose not to insure it agaist loss? These people will be selling these new homes in a couple of years and laughing all the way to the bank on the back of the taxpayers
I agree with you 100%. Absolute nonsense.
Why you can’t be happy for people some time..these things are done all over the world were the government help people get them self on there foot..looking like you would of feel better if these people was living on the street of road town
Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Nothing to celebrate.
Lets celebrate when things get delivered, on time, within budget and in line with expectations.
You will see a lot less celebrations.
We need an update on the new DDM Building.
Hon. Members of the opposition we need this project questioned in the house. It’s progress is very slow to even stopped.
This is a +$9mil project signed by government.
That project should have been close to substantial completion or already finished. I would seriously like an update on it, i dont want to knock the contractor but being thats one of their first ground up projects, its not a good look on their part. I will wait on the facts but it seems like they pussy footing with that project.
I’m happy for your Irma. God’s blessings will continue to follow you.
For the life of me. Why are rebuilding homes for homeowners who choose to dress up and walk the streets in the latest fashion. That money could be used to pay a homeowners insurance for times like these.
Government need to start setting standards.
And look who got the contract. Here we go again.
This is why they got to go this madness
HELP PEOPLE WHO CAN’T HELP THEM SHELF. SHE HAS MONEY ON THE BANK LET HER PULL IT OFF INSTEAD OF WAITING ON GOVERNMENT. STUPIDNESS
How ayo Tolian jealous so
1st district, we know you jealous of that lady. keep shining girl step like an Anguillan. Government money belongs to all a we.
Irms you are an EXERTORNIST!! Sorry for your grand children them. Them will crash like humpy dumpy. Sow good seeds and them will sprout.
You will be surprise who’s behind these negative comments…
I never knew people wearing Louis Vuitton and Gucci does depend on Government. I thought those ppl have it all made for themselves.