The government will use more climate-resilient construction materials for homes provided free to indigent residents under the HAPI programme next year, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Thursday.

Speaking during the handover ceremony for the Pelican Court housing development, Browne said the change was intended to improve the durability of homes built for some of Antigua and Barbuda’s most vulnerable residents.

He questioned the long-term value of less durable wooden construction, arguing that homes that do not last become an expensive proposition. He said the programme would place greater emphasis on resilience, particularly the ability of homes to withstand climatic conditions.

Browne did not specify the replacement materials, the number of homes to be constructed next year or a budget for the change in the remarks provided.

The prime minister outlined the shift as part of a broader commitment to help residents who cannot secure adequate housing through their own resources.

He said many people were unable to afford mortgages, while rising construction costs had made building a decent home increasingly difficult. Those circumstances, he argued, required government intervention.

Browne identified HAPI’s provision of free homes to indigent residents as one part of the government’s housing assistance, alongside social housing, affordable housing and concessions for homebuilders.

The programmes, he said, were intended to address different levels of need and improve access to suitable accommodation.

His remarks came during the handover ceremony for Pelican Court, a separate, Chinese grant-funded development comprising 150 two-bedroom homes in the Point community.

Browne said improving housing conditions formed part of the government’s ambition to make Antigua and Barbuda a “lifestyle superpower” where citizens and residents could enjoy a good quality of life.

He argued that the administration’s performance should be measured by social progress and improvements in people’s circumstances, alongside economic growth.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: HAPI housing programme to use more climate-resilient materials next year.