Grenada government reconsiders 2-acre plot for upgraded housing in La Digue

The government of Grenada is now putting under reconsideration a plot measuring two acres of land, that was earlier earmarked for the construction of a housing development to improve the housing stock of La Digue and nearby areas.

Lennox Andrews, the Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Marine Resources accompanied the team to the area with a view to subdividing the land with the assistance of the permanent secretary, Isaac Bhagwan and technical assistants from the Department of Lands.

While at the site, Andrews noted the government intends to formulate a housing plan that will greatly enhance the quality of life of the locals. “We don’t want to create a shanty town” Andrews stated this while at the same time affirming that the project should be one that would make both the government and the people of the region proud of a decent housing project.

He stressed on the need to include social utilities and amenities in the plan and in the process develop a balanced and comprehensive community. The project is currently only at the planning stage.

However, Minister Andrews spoke about the directions that could be taken in the subsequent development. At present, the new housing units may be incorporated to the government’s larger Project 500, where the primary goal is to construct at least 500 units of standardized homes in the area.

Andrews pointed out that due to personal choices, some residents might prefer houses built from the ground up, according to their convenience. In either case, he said that solid provisions would be made to control quality standards for the construction of the homes and adherence to the basic standards of living.

Besides, high standards of the construction will be kept, and sufficient quantities of green and open areas will be provided as a result of the development. The plan deliberately leaves out shops and supermarkets in order to follow the residential nature of the area.

Minister Andrews went on to state that the plots within this two-acre area would be limited to not more than 5,000 square feet and that this would afford the developer good returns on the number of homes as he also ensured that every home had sufficient space.

Due to the availability of land in the region being rather scarce, Andrews suggested that houses to be constructed in the area should be of two stories where feasible. Besides, it also helps utilize the space optimally and at the same time it also follows the forces and trends which are promoting the constructions which are more robust and more environment friendly.

He also stressed that the development would stick to provisions of new building codes that have been adopted to encourage efficient and safe construction in the hope of the governments ‘building back better.’

While continuing with the planning process, attention will be paid to the development of the high quality planned residential area for La Digue residents and improvement of the environment, with the expectation that the development of the project will be done within 2 years.