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A total of twenty-five (25) individuals in the Southern Grenadines have opted for prefabricated homes.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, 29th September, 2025 Minister of Housing Dr. Orando Brewster said eleven (11) of these homes have already been cleared for immediate construction. Five (5) units have been shipped to Union Island and another four (4) earmarked for Mayreau with the possibility of five (5) additional homes pending resolution of land ownership issues (on Mayreau).

“Some of the persons, it would be clear cut. You can go in, set up the bases and construct the home, because the ownership of the land is with them. There are others who opted, who has asked for the prefab option, but they have no ownership of land,” the Minister said.

Dr. Brewster added that construction on the initial units in Union Island and Mayreau is scheduled to begin this week, with estimated completion timelines ranging from four to eight weeks, depending on logistics and site readiness.

Dr. Brewster, stressed that government's ongoing efforts to support housing reconstruction following the passage of Hurricane Beryl is coming along smoothly.

The Minister confirmed that the Supplementary Estimates included allocations for two key housing projects, Project 702508 – Housing Development Programme: EC $29.1 million and Project 702405 – Home Reconstruction Phase III: EC $12.6 million.

The Housing Minister said that these funds are specifically allocated to housing reconstruction initiatives, including the prefabricated housing programme, which is being executed through the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC).
In response to concerns about land availability, the housing minister said that 21 lots have been earmarked for potential housing. However, not all are suitable for prefabricated structures, which require flat or gently sloping terrain.

He said that as a result, the government continues to assess land suitability to ensure safe and effective construction and while 25 units have been allocated thus far based on individual applications, government has budgeted for up to 300 prefabricated homes.

These homes are being imported in batches, with further distribution dependent on factors such as land ownership, site suitability, and ongoing community consultations.

The Minister reaffirmed the government's longstanding commitment to housing, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.

“This government, over the years, that's one thing you cannot talk to us about, when it comes to housing, because housing first is a basic human right, and that's why, after every natural disaster, we put our best foot forward in order to deal with the housing situation,” Minister Brewster stated.

SOURCE: The Agency for Public Information