Construction of 100 Chinese-supported condominium homes in Bolans and Barbuda is expected to begin within 60 to 90 days, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Thursday.

Speaking at the handover of the 150-unit Pelican Court development, Browne said the next phase of housing cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and China would provide 50 homes in each community.

“We already have a commitment for a further 100 condominiums to be built, 50 in Bolans and 50 in Barbuda, and those will commence construction within a matter of 60 to 90 days,” he said.

The Chinese ambassador confirmed in a separate interview with ABS that preparations for the additional homes were underway.

Speaking through an interpreter, she described Pelican Court as the first phase of the countries’ housing cooperation and said a Chinese team was preparing for the second phase of 100 units.

Browne said government intervention was necessary to assist people unable to afford mortgages or meet the rising cost of building a home.

He described Pelican Court, which replaces the former Booby Alley settlement in St. John’s City West, as a model for improving housing conditions in other low-income communities.

The prime minister has also requested Chinese support for another 300 condominium units at Perry Bay to serve residents of Rural West. That request is separate from the commitment for Bolans and Barbuda and has not received formal approval.

The ambassador said she would convey the Perry Bay proposal to the relevant authorities in China.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Construction of 100 homes in Bolans and Barbuda expected within 90 days.