Dominica: New houses given to six Plat Ma Pierre families

Six families in the Colihaut constituency have received brand new homes less than two years since the passage of Tropical Storm Erika forced a number of residents to move.

The home, built by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ARDA) in partnership with the Government of Dominica, where made possible after Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s administration made state land in Plat Ma Pierre available.

The project, which WIC News understands cost $750,000 to complete, began as soon as the land was handed over to developers.

Earlier this month, an official ceremony at the site saw the keys over the keys to the six families.

Minister for Housing Reginald Austrie said the cost of this project did not deter government from carrying out this task.

He said the happiness and comfort of citizens should not be measured.

“To me, as a politician, the money is not important… what is important is those funds will go towards making six families happy and comfortable.”

One of the recipients, Tabitha Daniel, thanked all who made this possible.

[caption id="attachment_4571" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Reginald Austrie.[/caption]

Love, unity and commitment

Two months ago, the Dominican government signed a contract worth $720,000 for infrastructural development in that area.

Road measuring 1,755 feet will be constructed to allow better access to the development.

“The government will continue to look out for you… we have given you state property. The land is given to you for free, the houses will be given to you for free and so the government will have to ensure from time to time, as we do all the time, that children of the state are well taken care of and well protected,” Austria added.

Road works and the installation of a water tank is still ongoing.

Priscilla Prevost, assistant ADRA coordinator and project manager, said the homes were built with love by ADRA, and volunteers of the Christian Service International and the Christian Disaster Relief.

“Today I can say the houses you see and what the beneficiaries will receive was built with love, unity and commitment,” she said.

“Our love for God to you the beneficiaries… commitment from start to finish form CDR and CSI and our volunteers who came in from other countries.”

Each unit contains three bedrooms, one bathroom and a kitchen, dining and living room in an open concept with an L-shaped porch.