Dominica paces up housing revolution as climate change continue to increase globally

As climate change is causing new challenges worldwide, the government of Dominica has paced up the housing revolution.

Tuesday, 10th May 2022

Dominica paces up housing revolution as climate change continue to increase globally

Roseau, Dominica: Nowadays, nature is unpredictably changing due to the various human activities which lead to incalculable impacts, including loss of life and livelihoods, homes and basic services. A report published by Reuters in 2017 on Natural calamities reads that about 14 million individuals are displaced annually due to natural catastrophes such as floods and storms. A survey carried out by the news agency also reveals that countries in South and Southeast Asia have the highest rates of displacement and housing loss. But catastrophes also have an aptitude for discovering the vulnerable in the Latin Americas and Caribbean. Although Dominica is no stranger to natural disasters, still, the country was left shocked after the onslaughts of Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. According to OCHA Services and UNDP, Tropical Storm Erika caused damage and loss equal to around 90% of Dominica's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Meanwhile, according to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, Hurricane Maria caused overall damages of EC $2.51 billion (US$931 million) and losses of EC $1.03 billion (US$382 million), accounting for 226 % of the 2016 GDP.

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Due to this, the people of Dominica were left with few options for rebuilding and recovering. Then, the government took the initiative to start rebuilding climate-resilient infrastructure. The authorities of Dominica framed the Housing Revolution Programme (Integrated Housing Development) to frame new policies for urban planning and develop integrated housing communities across the country by the necessity to rebuild significantly and the need to adapt to climate change properly. Integrated Housing Development, funded by Dominica's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme and created through Public-Private Partnership, intends to deliver new, contemporary, integrated housing to low-and middle-income households. The Bellevue Chopin Housing Development began resettling displaced families in December 2018. The first integrated community on the island had 350 residential units, a 28-unit business complex, a health centre, a community centre and a recreational field. This year, housing developments will also advance in Scotts Head, Eggleston, Canefield, Vieille Case, Penville, Point Michel, Woodford Hill, Paix Bouche, and Roseau Valley. [caption id="attachment_42240" align="aligncenter" width="514"]

Graphical design of new housing unit to be built-in Soufriere Constituency, Dominica.[/caption] In the meantime, a master-planned community development awaits the residents of Grand Bay in 2023. Beyond the beautifully designed homes and picturesque views of Grand Bay Ville are services and facilities, namely shops, basketball court, community centre, pocket parks, recreational spaces, and gas station; all of which are safe and secure 24/7, with the police station and fire station within the area.

Furthermore, the standard design for the developments is a combination of two- and three-bedroom homes and apartments with a toilet and bathroom, a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen. In addition, the structure was built with reinforced concrete and stormproof window panes as part of measures to maintain robustness. There are also retaining walls, sewage and stormwater drainage systems, and all utility lines are buried.

The housing units are given, not sold or rented, and are granted to beneficiaries via a selection system based on socially disadvantaged people, with particular consideration for single mothers.

Apart from providing climate-resilient housing, the initiative also helped to establish and sustain livelihoods. Local contractors and other skilled workers were hired for the housing developments. As the environment is changing very quickly, disaster recovery is now related to the concepts of resilience and community renewal. The integration of housing and recovery is successfully achieved via the Integrated Housing Development Programme (IHDP) adopted by nations like Dominica – proving that there is notable potential to enhance the quality of life and the socio-economic status of even the most vulnerable.