While in Grand Bahama for a historic Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett made the announcement that the Government Housing Project would be advanced on the island.

His announcement came during a press conference held at the Grand Lucayan on Tuesday.

Minister Dorsett stated that he was proud to announce the issue of 36 contracts to 13 local Grand Bahamian contractors who will begin construction of homes in Bahamia West Replat.

He said, “The first order of business is to build homes where there is infrastructure that keeps the cost of the houses down. In West Bahamia Replat the ministry does not have to put in water or electricity. All of the infrastructure is there. I’m just building homes and providing keys.

“I think it is timely to begin the construction of these homes because the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation has confirmed through its Chairman and Deputy Chairman that there are enough bodies to fill these homes, and I feel as long as there is a demand for housing and people can qualify for the mortgage, we will make every effort to make inventory available for Bahamians.

“Not only that, it provides a great injection into the economy of Grand Bahama because some 300 jobs for skilled and some unskilled construction workers.”

Addressing the contractors, Minister Dorsett told them he was happy to work with them, but strongly advised that “the Ministry of Housing believes in meritocracy. If you want more work, then you do good [work]!”

The average cost of these homes will be a little over $100,000, depending on the size of the home.

He said the Ministry of Housing looks forward to having an opening of these homes by the end of the year.

Funding for this housing project will be provided by the National Insurance Board.