Some Green Hill houses should be ready in 3 weeks

Owners of homes presently being constructed under the government housing development at Green Hill have been told that some of the houses could be completed within the next three weeks.

This promise came yesterday from Beresford Phillips, chairman of the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC), {{more}} during a meeting with the homeowners.

Among other things, a progress report was given on the status of the houses and the reason for the delay in completing the project, which originally had been estimated to be finished in six to nine months.

Some persons at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with how their investments were being managed.

Phillips apologized to the persons in attendance for the delay in having the homes handed over to them, despite the time which was stated in the contract.

“I know in some cases it has gone past nine months and it’s frustrating for persons,” Phillips said.

In his explanation, Phillips said there was a delay due to the trough system that affected this country in December 2013. He further said the homeowners had been told that there would be some delay based on what had transpired.

“Ever since, we have been working feverishly to make sure that the structures are completed within the time stipulated,” Phillips said, adding that there were other issues which affected the completion of those homes.

He added that one of the main issues that caused the delay was the way in which materials were procured.

Phillips explained that after the passage of the December 2013 trough system, priority was given to disaster recovery.

“The government decided that that should be given some priority… To some extent, we had a problem with the proper procurement of materials. I was clear on the government that they do not want a mixing of the HLDC product to be mixed with the disaster project materials. We apologize again for that,” he said.

Phillips also noted that expertise that would normally be assigned directly to the construction of houses for the HLDC had to be shared with the disaster project.

Some of the homeowners expressed concerns about the construction of an adequate drainage system in the housing area, while others, who are renting at present, stated they had already given their landlords notice of when they would be moving, but have not been able to do so.

Phillips said he believes some of the homes can be completed within the next three weeks, but noted that in cases, where it is clear that they would not be able to finish within the stipulated period, they would try to see what comfort they can bring to the homeowners.

“We will determine what we can do to relieve you of the financial distress that you may be made to endure during that time,” he said.

One of the potential homeowners however expressed skepticism.

“This is not really promising. I have $800 rent to pay and it seems at the end of October, I am going to have $1300 mortgage to pay. I have myself to take care of and food to buy. I don’t how anybody else, but this is my situation. Quite frankly, this situation is not sounding promising to anybody whatsoever,” she said.

SEARCHLIGHT also understands that the work left to be done on the project includes installation of additional drains as well as the plumbing and lighting fixtures.