The full renovation of 64 apartments known as “The Towers” at Belvedere with a budget of almost US $5.5 million (see related story) will no doubt be welcomed by residents. There is the inconvenience of having to temporarily relocate, but they at least get moving- and storage-cost compensation plus a monthly stipend.
Moreover, close to 4½ years after these units suffered major damage during the passage of category 5 Hurricane Irma, there is finally the prospect of what was referred to as “adequate living quarters”, with the first two of six buildings scheduled for completion in May. Not all current inhabitants might return, but in that case quality social housing becomes available to many people waiting for such.
The project of the Dutch-sponsored Trust Fund managed by the World Bank is being executed under supervision of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). Although long overdue, it was ultimately prioritised by government.
This is obviously also very important for St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF), especially after some recent discussion on how its request for a large amount from the Trust Fund was handled. To be sure, 369 social homes have been repaired with means from the fund since 2018 to the tune of $1.1 million, 109 by NRPB and 260 by SMHDF.
Investing in low- and middle-income homes is a no-brainer on the island with its relatively high rents and expensive real estate. The fund’s Steering Committee among its final allocations made $20 million available for a sustainable housing project with focus on co-financing options.
It will probably be realised at the so-called Over the Bank area, over which there has been quite a bit of controversy in past months. Any remaining issues must be resolved by parties involved as soon as possible, because there is clearly an urgent need.
