Minister Of Housing: “We Have Constructed In Excess Of 70 Homes”

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MOORE’S ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS – As the cost of rent continues to climb, and more Bahamians struggle to enter the housing market, government is pointing to ongoing construction as proof that homeownership remains a priority.

While attending a recent land conveyance ceremony in Moore’s Island, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development provided an update on the Carmichael and Renaissance Housing Developments – projects that have drawn both criticism and close public attention.

Our News anchor Kendeno Knowles has been following this.

“Beyond the ceremony and the public statements… no homes were started, no homes were completed, and no Bahamian family ever received a key.” – Housing Minister Keith Bell

That statement by Housing Minister Keith Bell in December came as government faced tough questions about the Carmichael Village Development, including concerns about governance, 
delivery and whether families would ever receive keys.

At the time, Bell insisted the project had moved beyond announcements and into real construction, with families already moving in.

Now, speaking with reporters on Moore’s Island Friday, on the sidelines of a ceremony
where hundreds of residents received long-awaited deeds to their land, Bell says delivery
on government housing projects is continuing.

He pointed to progress at the Renaissance Subdivision in Carmichael, where construction has now moved into its later phases.

“Renaissance was a subdivision had actually gone on the drawing board under the Free National Movement, but nothing was done. Again, this Davis administration came in. Not only did we prepared the entire subdivision, put in the infrastructure, and we are now at phase three and four. We have already constructed in excess of seventy homes. The asset value in there exceeds twenty million dollars. We have families living there.”

Bell says rent-to-own units are also nearing completion, aimed at helping more Bahamians move from renting into homeownership.

“Our rent-to-own buildings are well on its way to final construction. And so we hope, uh, God’s life during the course of this year, uh, to put at least the buildings up to twelve families. There are eight units, and we hope to put at least ninety-six families in those units.”

Meanwhile, the minister acknowledges that demand continues
to outpace supply.

And for a country where affordable housing has long fallen short of demand, Bell says the focus is now keeping projects moving and getting more keys in the hands of Bahamian families.