Plans are underway for more affordable housing developments in George Town.
That’s according to housing minister Jay Ebanks who was responding to questions from deputy opposition leader Kenneth Bryan in parliament on 25 June.
Ebanks said that over the past four years, 39 affordable homes have been completed through the National Housing Development Trust (NHDT)’s affordable housing initiative.
He said the NHDT has been tasked with preparing the necessary procurement documents to support the development of its vacant sites in George Town “to utilise their full potential”.
Ebanks explained that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader national housing strategy, which aims to expand access to affordable housing across the districts.
Multiple sites
In subsequent questioning, the minister revealed that the NHDT owns property in two locations in George Town, and work on them will begin “shortly”.
However, he indicated priority would be given to other developments first.
“Our next site that we’re looking at now is in West Bay, first is the Apple Blossom site to get that going.
“But as soon as we get that up and going, the next location will be George Town at the old Cox site.”
Bryan raised questions about a large government-owned site on the Linford-Pierson Highway, asking whether it would be used for George Town housing as well.
Ebanks confirmed: “That site was purchased for homes. We have a large site that’s located in George Town, which is the Cox site, that we want to start with first and move from that direction on.”
However, the minister outlined significant challenges with the Linford-Pierson site.
He said the site on Linford-Pierson needs a large amount of fill, but this raises concerns as it could worsen flooding in Randyke Gardens, he said.
Tropical Gardens
Bryan also asked about a property in the Tropical Gardens area that was previously identified for affordable housing.
He said the opposition had argued that the purpose of purchasing it was for a launch ramp for the Tropical Gardens area and a place for a three to four low-cost homes.
Ebanks responded: “I can’t give commitment to it, but I will take it on and carry it forward to the next Cabinet meeting.
“I know it was identified in one of our last caucus meetings, as the previous government before, [as] a location for building homes, and I know we had fully supported it.”
The minister noted the site’s potential: “I do think it’s a property that can be a quick win. It doesn’t take a large amount of filling, so it’s something that we could work with.”
