Homeowners And Small Businesses Within The Mckinnons Watershed Area Can Apply For Revolving Loan Program For Climate Proofing Homes From Natural Disasters and Climate Change

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The Department of Environment and the sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund is pleased to invite persons within the McKinnons watershed area to apply for the Revolving Fund Programme for Adaptation in buildings Loans against the negative effects and impacts of climate change. This loan programme will provide small loans of up to EC $200,000 at a rate of 2% interest per annum for households to adapt to climate change impacts.   Adaptation measures eligible for funding include:

  • Resilient Solar Renewable Energy Systems
  • Solar Water Heaters
  • Energy Efficient Appliances
  • Roof Reinforcements
  • Strengthening Windows and Doors
  • Hurricane shutters
  • Community Septic Systems for Building Density
  • Water Storage
  • Water Use Efficiency Adaptation
  • Mosquito Screens
  • Indoor Air Quality Control
  • Air conditioning using energy efficient
  • Raising floor height (Foundations) of building

To be eligible to apply for this programme, individuals should reside in the project area and own their own homes.  The project area is the following communities:

  • Lower Gambles
  • Yorks & York’s New extension
  • McKinnon’s community
  • Lower Fort Road

Background to the Call for Applications

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda formed the Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund (SIRF Fund) to allow residents of Antigua and Barbuda to access international financing for climate proofing their homes.    This new initiative is currently in its pilot phase. There are three stages to this pilot funding: the first stage is for first responders, the second stage is for persons living close to waterways in Mckinnon’s watershed area, and the third stage is for persons living next to the waterway within the Cashew hill watershed.  This Call for Applications is in the second stage of the pilot project, and will facilitate EC $8 million in loan funding.

On successful completion of this pilot phase, it is expected that additional funding will be made available for the rest of Antigua and Barbuda individual homes and business properties to be made more secure from the impacts of climate change.  The Revolving Fund Programme for Adaptation Loans for the McKinnons Watershed Area is being supported by the Adaptation Fund Project, “An integrated approach to physical adaptation and community resilience in Antigua and Barbuda’s northwest McKinnon’s watershed”.

To apply for the Revolving Fund Programme or for more information, interested individuals can visit the Department of Environment office at #1 Victoria Park, Botanical Gardens, or contact us at 464-5030 or 464-5031 (including WhatsApp messages). Application forms can also be found on the Department of Environment’s website at https://www.environment.gov.ag/en/sirf#application. The deadline for application is February 15th, 2021.

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6 COMMENTS

    • We agree. Hope people take advantage of it. Do you think that the fact it is a loan and not a grant may deter persons from applying?

    • “On successful completion of this pilot phase, it is expected that additional funding will be made available for the rest of Antigua and Barbuda individual homes and business properties to be made more secure from the impacts of climate change. “

  3. What about Pigotts, Bolans (West Palm Beach), Grays Farm…? We would prefer grants, not loans. Please and thank you Madame Comacho.

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