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(FP)

The Ministry of Housing’s Incremental Home Construction Programme (IHCP), which is a sub-component of the Housing and Neighbourhood Upgrading Programme (HNUP) was recently re-launched. Persons selected for subsidies under this programme, will soon be able to commence the required repairs to their homes.

According to an official of the Ministry (it) "is in the process of finalizing the payment of subsidies for the first 30 successful applicants under the IHCP, valued at BDS $260,000.00. These applicants will not be required to repay any funds, since they represent a subsidy and not a loan.

"The majority of these funds will be used to cover the cost of building materials, and will be paid directly to the suppliers chosen by the applicants. In addition, funds from these subsidies will also be used to offset some of the labour costs of applicants for their proposed renovations."??

The IHCP involves the provision of 600 subsidies valued at some BDS $6 million over the duration of the programme. Government, through the implementation of the IHCP is not only providing assistance to low-income families but also contributing to the upkeep of small and medium-sized businesses in Barbados through the generation of additional income for businesses supplying various types of building materials to householders across the country.

The programme also provides opportunities for self-employed artisans and small contractors to benefit from work done on repairs carried out on the homes of low-income families.

Persons interested in this programme may visit Super Centre, Warrens, St. Michael, this morning Saturday, May 21, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, as the Ministry continues its efforts to promote and increase awareness of the IHCP.??

Members of the public may also contact the Project Office of the HNUP at the Ministry of Housing and Lands, Urban and Rural Development, Country Road, St. Michael, at 620-3621/22 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. (JG/BGIS)

jgill@barbados.gov.bb

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