A house-lifting programme targeting flood-prone communities is being introduced as part of efforts to strengthen housing resilience across Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking with ABS, Minister for Social and Urban Transformation Roland Turner said the initiative will focus on areas where homes are vulnerable to flooding, particularly wooden structures built at low elevations.

He explained that many of these homes are not high enough to allow floodwaters to pass beneath them safely, increasing the risk of damage during heavy rainfall.

“This is a very simple intervention that we can make,” Mr Turner said, noting that lifting homes can significantly reduce flood-related losses.

The programme will be incorporated into the Housing Assistance Programme Initiative (HAPI), which already supports repairs, renovations and rebuilding for vulnerable homeowners.

The government recently announced the arrival of building materials valued at more than EC$1m, which are being distributed under the programme.

Mr Turner told ABS that additional manpower is being assigned to support the expanded work. Cabinet has approved the use of newly recruited workers from the Dominican Republic to address labour shortages, alongside existing teams, including inmate labour.

Three construction teams are now expected to work simultaneously under HAPI, as the government seeks to improve housing conditions and reduce disaster risks nationwide.