The majority of the homes in Strachan’s Hill Subdivision on Fire Trail Road are nearing completion and in the process of being assigned, according to Minister of Housing Kenred Dorsett.

In his last update to the press in May, Minister Dorsett said that 23 contracts had been issued for the completion of homes in the subdivision.

“The Department of Housing, as I informed in my last statement, is also working to ensure that the existing homes in Strachan’s Hill and other areas such as Fire Trail Subdivision are reassigned,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

“Homes would have been previously assigned but not occupied; this is due to circumstances such as the preference of the prospective homeowners, and the ability of persons to secure mortgage financing. I have also stated before that it is our intention that homeowners receive all the necessary legal documents and that a mortgage is securely in place before homes are occupied. This is in line with best practices.”

The housing minister said there is no politics involved in the assignment process.

“It is based on financial qualification, availability of inventory, and the issuance of legal documentation,” he said.

“I assure the general public that as new assignees are ready to occupy, all homes and lots in need of reparation will receive it. The Department of Housing has ensured in the past that this was done with the removal of overgrown shrubbery and bushes. We also recently acquired the services of heavy equipment to remove the shantytown which was in the immediate vicinity of some of our homes up for reassignment.”

During the 2014-2015 budget in June, the housing minister announced plans of the government partnering with the private sector in order to construct more affordable homes for Bahamians.

Bahamians who are interested in purchasing a government- built home should apply online at www.dohbahamas.com or contact the Applications Processing Unit (APU) at 302-5800.

“Those who would have applied previously and are still interested should ensure that their files are up to date by also contacting the APU,” Minister Dorsett said.

“As always I will keep the public informed as the housing programme progresses.”

In May, Minister Dorsett announced that his ministry had received $2.5 million to begin the government’s housing programme.

The programme was initially delayed.

In 2013 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the housing ministry and the National Insurance Board to fund the construction of new homes in the government’s housing programme.