Review and Projections

Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal: Commitment to Transforming Bahamian Communities

Overview:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal, under the leadership of Minister Keith Belle, Minister of State Lisa Rahming, and Permanent Secretary Reginald Saunders, is dedicated to delivering on the government's promise of a New Day for the Bahamian people. The Ministry is focused on addressing the critical need for affordable housing across The Bahamas, particularly in response to sustained population growth and the housing shortages highlighted in recent studies.

Key Initiatives:

  • Urban Renewal and Housing: The Ministry is actively working to enhance urban communities through the expansion of social programs and the transformation of the built environment. A new statutory body, the Urban Renewal Authority, is being established to oversee permanent improvements in these areas.
  • Affordable Housing Developments: The government is moving forward with the construction of new housing subdivisions, such as the Pinecrest and Renaissance Subdivisions in New Providence, and additional developments across the Family Islands. These efforts aim to provide Bahamians with affordable, resilient homes, especially in areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
  • Rent-to-Own Program: Recognizing the financial barriers faced by many Bahamians, the government has introduced a sustainable rent-to-own initiative. This program creates a new pathway to homeownership, providing greater access to housing for those in need.
  • Partnerships with Private Sector: The Ministry is engaging with private sector contractors to support the efficient delivery of affordable homes. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program is open to all qualified Bahamian builders, offering opportunities for collaboration in the government's housing initiatives.
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal remains fully committed to its mandate as outlined in the Speech from the Throne. The government's focus is on action, with a clear understanding that progress will be measured by tangible results in improving the quality of life for Bahamians across the nation.

Achievements:

Over the past year, the Ministry of Housing has completed repairs on 400 homes across New Providence and Grand Bahama and has also constructed new homes in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Abaco. These efforts have enabled numerous Bahamian families to obtain titles to land that they either occupied or had arranged to purchase. Additionally, the Ministry has facilitated the completion of homes in the aforementioned islands and has installed infrastructure to support further housing development in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Andros. A strategic plan has also been developed to guide the creation of subdivisions and housing projects on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, and San Salvador.

Future Plans

  • Looking ahead, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal is proud to announce the development of a new 300-lot subdivision in southern New Providence, which will be named “Carmichael Village.” This subdivision will feature residential and commercial lots, parks, playgrounds, walking trails, and a neighborhood government school.
  • The Ministry will also complete road and drainage installations in Ardastra Estates and continue its program to regularize land titles for individuals occupying land in Dignity Gardens II and Firetrail.
  • In Grand Bahama, construction will continue in the Pine Forest, West Heights, and Heritage subdivisions, with lot sales resuming in the McCleans Town and High Rock communities.
  • In Abaco, the Ministry will continue house construction in Spring City and proceed with lot sales in Crossing Rock, Crown Haven, Coopers Town, Sands Cove, and Central Pines, in collaboration with the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation. The Abaco office will also facilitate lot sales in Murphy Town, Treasure Cay, and Green Turtle Cay.
  • Across the Family Islands, infrastructure will be installed in Eleuthera to support additional lot sales in the Hatchet Bay Subdivision, and new homes will be constructed in Exuma and San Salvador.