Difficult site conditions, lengthy shipping times for materials and changing weather challenged construction of the 150-home Pelican Court development, a Chinese project representative said Thursday, outlining the work and quality controls behind the housing complex.
Speaking during the ongoing handover ceremony in the Point community, the representative said the development comprises nine residential buildings with a combined floor area of more than 148,500 square feet.
The official described a 22-month construction effort involving Chinese and Antiguan and Barbudan personnel, with project managers and construction teams working together to overcome obstacles and complete the homes.
The EC$50 million development, funded through a grant from the People’s Republic of China, provides 150 two-bedroom homes as part of the redevelopment of Booby Alley.
The representative said quality checks covered each stage of the project, from design and planning to material selection, construction management and final quality control. The work followed international standards and regulatory requirements governing China’s foreign assistance projects, the official said.
Preliminary work began with the arrival of a design team in December 2022. The team carried out site investigations and prepared design drawings to establish the technical foundation for construction.
The representative identified complex site conditions among the difficulties encountered during the project. Long shipping times for materials and variable local weather also presented challenges as construction proceeded.
Despite those conditions, the official said, the teams maintained their focus on delivering homes built to a high standard.
The representative credited cooperation among construction personnel, engineers, project managers and government agencies, while thanking residents for their understanding during the work. Chinese Embassy officials were also recognised for their guidance and coordination.
The official said support would continue beyond the handover, with follow-up technical assistance and maintenance services intended to keep the homes safe, comfortable and habitable for years to come.
The development carries the hopes of families seeking better living conditions, the representative said, presenting the project as both a housing investment and an expression of cooperation between China and Antigua and Barbuda.
The official also linked the development to cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, saying the two countries’ partnership was intended to produce practical improvements in people’s lives.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Pelican Court’s 150 homes built despite difficult site conditions and shipping delays, Chinese official says.