79
earthquakes. Grants up to a maximum of fifteen thousand ($15,000) will be provided to
eligible persons/households. Two hundred and sixty-eight (268) families whose homes
were affected by fire and floods received emergency grants in fiscal 2013.
232.
The Accelerated Housing Programme which is implemented by the Housing
Development Corporation (HDC) aims to construct eight thousand, eight hundred (8,800)
new homes on greenfield sites and infill developments for middle and low income
families. To address the shortfall in the delivery of new homes, the HDC recognised the
importance of establishing greater collaboration with the private sector and other public
sector agencies
233.
In fiscal 2013, the HDC focussed on the completion and close out of on-going
projects, the completion of repairs to houses, resumption of work on suspended projects,
purchase of land for future housing projects, construction of multifamily units, and the
provision of housing accommodation through the mechanism of rent-to-own and rental
accommodation, to persons who cannot access mortgage financing. An expenditure of
$1.009 billion was utilised in this fiscal year.
234.
Construction of houses continued on sites at Malabar, Valsayn, Tarouba, Diego
Martin, St James, Princes Town, Union Hall, Chaguanas, Guapo, which are to yield in
excess of two thousand (2,000) housing units. In addition, the HDC acquired a 50-acre
fully developed parcel of land in Freeport which can yield two hundred and sixty-four
(264) residential lots, to accommodate approximately two hundred and seventy-five (275)
residential units.
235.
The Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee (SILWC) continued work on the
upgrading of infrastructure on its housing developments. In fiscal 2013, the focus of work
was on the Orangefield and Picton housing developments. On the Orangefield housing
development, rehabilitation of roads and drains were completed. Infrastructural works for
water and sewer systems were also completed. With respect to the Picton Housing
Development, infrastructure works on roads and drains were completed in Phases I, II
and III, and work involving the construction of box drains, curb and slipper drains, catch
pits and retaining walls, and the paving of roadways continued on Phases IV and V of the
settlement in fiscal 2013. The programme of works was executed at a cost of $11.8
million.
