The government of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to regulate the surge in imported prefab and container homes, introducing a new policy that requires prior approval from the Development Control Authority (DCA).
The measure, announced this week, seeks to ensure that all such units meet national building standards, which account for the island’s tropical conditions and heightened risk of storms.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, said imports—particularly from China and other overseas markets—have increased sharply in recent months. Many of these homes, he noted, have benefited from duty concessions, but Cabinet determined that greater oversight was urgently needed.
“Our construction guidelines are different to other countries because of our tropical nature,” Merchant explained. “With the increase in these imports, there is a need for individuals to seek approvals to ensure the quality of the homes meet our guidelines.”
The new requirement will apply not only to future imports but also to units already on island awaiting clearance. Each will undergo DCA inspection to determine whether it is safe and suitable for occupancy.
“The aim is to ensure that persons who are going to occupy those homes are safe,” Merchant said. “Unfortunately, if these homes are not deemed safe, permission cannot be granted.”
In some cases, recommendations may be issued to strengthen units so they conform to local durability standards.
Officials stress the move is not intended to discourage investment or innovation in housing. Instead, they say it underscores the government’s responsibility to protect residents from potentially unsafe structures.
The Cabinet’s decision reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to maintaining high building standards while seeking to balance affordability and safety in the expanding housing sector.
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One bunch of selfish politicians, them always want a piece of the cake, just watch
Housing project in danger??
Have you guys driven thru the island and see the state of some houses. I agree we need to make sure they places are safe.. but come on here.. this seems more like trying to make sure local business get buisness which i fully agree with. Why not encourage all the contractors building in barbuda that any concessions they get need to come from local hardware and building supply stores. I see way too many imports coming in without touching the local economy.
The process of getting a house from Chapa and national housing is so stressful if you’re not politically affiliated. Those houses are often poorly constructed leaving the home owner burdened with addition debt, long waiting times for resolution of issues and high interest rates and legal charges for mortgages. I guess the government, with their plan to sell more homes, sees these containers homes as a major competition due to the cost and hassle free construction.
I agree with this. A home is an investment for life, and it has to withstand storms. Oversight is necessary.
This is a smart move. Too many cheap prefab houses are being dumped here without considering hurricanes or our climate. Safety must come first
This is a smart move. Too many cheap prefab houses are being dumped here without considering hurricanes or our climate. Safety must come first
Hurricanes don’t care if it’s prefab or concrete, build strong or don’t build at all.
Not surprised Cabinet step in. Too many of these container houses just popping up with no oversight.
So if is that the people can afford why restrict them. Not everyone can afford the prices of these homes ah you ah sell. And those who can afford it not friends with anybody at national housing or Chapa
Sooooo disingenuous!! If they are so concerned about building codes for Antigua, then there is the inspection remedy available to them. Once the homes are here, have them inspected by DCA, and make sure they’re up to local standards. This is just another way of hamstringing poor people!! BTW, American built homes must meet stringent standards. They are hurricane, flood, snow, and fire safety standards that must be met. I’ve seen haphazard, poorly constructed, wooden structures, thrown up all over the place. Who inspected those? Where is the concern about those? Somebody is evidently upset that they’re getting cut out of a lucrative opportunity. Just wait until some prominent businessman starts importing them for resale at exorbitant prices. There will be no concern then!!
Facts
You see how these politicians wicked and bad minded so till?
Antiguans have been screaming out for decent housing including prefabricated ones with all amenities and utilities fitted for donkeys years. This utter devilment from the ABLP just goes to show that placing citizens into decent housing was just window dressing of the LOWEST order by them. Mercy!
Maria Browne and the DCA should be hanging their heads in shame – but they won’t. It seems that all this evasive prefabricated housing is about making money before placing people in adequate and decent homes.
SHAME! SHAME! AND SHAME AGAIN …
Didn’t Diane-Laine say she is going into the prefab house business?
Is there a connection here
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