Dominica observed handover ceremony for 69 climate resilient homes under Housing Recovery Programme at Stadium Forecourt on Thursday, Nov 20, 2025.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development – Melissa Poponne-Skerrit handed over the certificates to the beneficiaries of the houses. She said that the Government of Dominica has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide safe, climate-resilient and affordable housing as a foundation of dignity and human development, especially for vulnerable groups and those displaced by Hurricane Maria.
More Houses are Under Construction
Melissa Skerrit highlighted that under the Housing Recovery Project, 382 resilient homes were delivered, and more are under construction. She said they are ensuring that no one is left behind.
According to her, this initiative empowered beneficiaries by involving them directly in the building process, engaging only the local contractors and stimulating over 330 jobs. Despite rising global construction costs, difficult terrain and material shortages, the government increased funding caps and even paid for land title regularisation to prevent disqualification.
Additional support was provided to 924 households for planning and construction standards. She mentioned that the project is backed by the World Bank and stands as the Caribbean’s first homeowner-driven housing programme and a model of climate resilience.
Melissa Skerrit added that Dominica government remains steadfast in combating poverty, strengthening communities and building a future where Dominican families live securely and with renewed hope.
Housing Project backed by World Bank
Operations Manager of World Bank for Caribbean – Gayle Richardson, praised Dominica’s successful completion of its Housing Recovery Project following Hurricane Maria.
She highlighted that it is a strong partnership between the World Bank and the Government of Dominica in delivering modern, resilient and culturally reflective homes to families whose properties were destroyed. As Hurricane Maria damaged nearly 30,000 buildings, and through this initiative over 300 resilient homes were constructed.
Despite challenges such as COVID-19, rising costs and extreme weather. The project also secured land tenure and planning approval for beneficiaries, ensuring safe, high-standard housing.
Richardson commended the government’s leadership and reaffirmed the commitment of World Bank to support the vision of Dominica of becoming the first climate-resilient nation in the World.
Victory of Dignity, Hope and Renewed Confidence
Acting Prime Minister Greta Roberts addressed the ceremony of behalf of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and celebrated the handover ceremony of 69 new resilient homes to deserving families under Dominica’s Housing Recovery Program.
She described it as a triumph of dignity, hope and renewed confidence. Also, she reflected on the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
The address highlighted the strong determination of the government, led by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, to rebuild stronger and protect vulnerable citizens. In partnership with the World Bank, the program was designed to provide hurricane-resilient homes capable of withstanding future climate threats.
Roberts emphasised that the initiative has invested over 69 million dollars, delivered more than 100 homes and generated employment for local contractors and workers, strengthening national resilience and economic stability.
Furthermore, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensure safe housing for all citizens. She stressed that resilient homes are essential for survival in a disaster-prone region. She presented gratitude to all partners, contractors and beneficiaries, with encouragement for homeowners to cherish and maintain their new homes.