Beckles distributes 50 'keys to happiness' at Corinth Hills

FIFTY families now have new homes at Riverside South, Corinth Hills thanks to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Construction for these housing units began in December 2017 and its total expected yield is 121.

It is set to consist, entirely, of 82 townhouses, 27 family units, 12 single-family units across 24.9 acres.

The excited new homeowners received the keys to their buildings on Monday morning at a ceremony held at the compound.

Housing Minister Penelope Beckles the government "understands the importance of providing affordable shelter to improve the living conditions of low to lower-middle-income families.

"It is therefore only fitting that the HDC’s mandate is aligned with the national strategic development plan so that it contributes to Government’s strategy to put the country on a more sustainable development path."

Families with a combined monthly income of between $5,000 and $9,000 will live in these units at rates of between $1,200 and $1,500 monthly. It is also a rent-to-own arrangement.

But Beckles said she understands that the ministry may not be able to meet the needs of all housing applicants.

"Therefore, for those of you collecting your keys today, know that you are in an enviable position and you have the power right here, right now to change your destiny, take charge of your lives and that of your families, and do something truly positive – lay claim to your generational wealth and do not squander this opportunity by not honouring your financial obligations."

Once the mortgages on these units are closed, the HDC should collect around $28 million from revenue sales.

Beckles said the ministry is committed to completing all unfinished housing projects throughout the country.

San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello said the units are not a handout or a gift but rather “an investment by the government.”

He said the homeowners now have the responsibility to maintain the quality of the buildings, recalling a visit to Sweden during which he saw housing units that were years old but in “mint condition.”