The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) will begin a pilot programme to acquire 25 parcels of land across select constituencies as part of a new government initiative aimed at expanding affordable housing.
The programme, approved by Cabinet this week, is designed to allow CHAPA to obtain privately owned lands through voluntary exchange arrangements and redevelop them into homes and serviced residential lots for Antiguans and Barbudans.
Officials said the initiative will be rolled out in phases, beginning with a pilot stage focused on acquiring a limited number of properties to test the model before expanding it nationwide.
“The program will be conducted in three phases, with the first phase being the pilot phase where CHAPA intends to acquire 25 parcels across select constituencies to initiate exchanges and housing development,” Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said during the Cabinet briefing.
The second phase will expand the programme based on participation levels and infrastructure readiness, while the third phase will see the land exchange and redevelopment programme become a permanent part of CHAPA’s housing strategy.
Officials said the initiative is intended to help address constraints in housing development, particularly the limited availability of Crown lands for residential construction.
Under the programme, property owners may be offered several options for participation, including land-for-land exchanges, the sale of land at independently appraised market values, or construction credits toward the purchase of a CHAPA-built home.
The redevelopment plan will also incorporate community infrastructure. Between 10% and 15% of lands developed under the programme will be set aside for parks, green spaces and vending areas to support community life in the new housing developments.
Cabinet has already approved $500,000 to launch the initiative, allowing CHAPA to begin engaging property owners and moving forward with the first phase of the programme.
Authorities said the specific constituencies to be included in the pilot phase have not yet been identified, but further details will be released as the programme moves into implementation.
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