Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has confirmed that the long-delayed Rock Hall housing project is finally moving forward, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s housing agenda.
Speaking at Monday’s press briefing, Pierre revealed that the project, funded through the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), has now received full planning approval and cabinet endorsement, setting the stage for construction to begin soon.
“We’ve got planning approval now, complete planning approval for the Rock Hall housing,” the Prime Minister disclosed.
“I also want to tell you that the Cabinet has approved it, and the Rock Hall housing project is going to be a CIP project. The funding has been secured through the CIP. We’ve got planning approval for all sectors, and we’re going to be starting with one building in the near future.”
The Rock Hall development, previously suspended after the arrest of the owner of the contracted company, will now resume under government oversight.
The project is part of a wider national effort to expand housing access and affordability for working Saint Lucians.
Pierre reiterated his government’s commitment to “give land to the landless,” explaining that persons who have lived on government land for three decades or more will now receive ownership at no cost.
“Remember, we had announced that anybody who [occupies] government land for 30 years will get that land free,” he said. “So we are giving that land free. These people will be able to expand their housing and go to the bank and borrow money for their housing.”
PM Pierre also highlighted ongoing measures to make home construction more affordable, noting that the duty-free status on building materials remains in effect.
“We have maintained the duty-free, the combat-free status on building materials. That means people will be able to get their materials cheaper,” he stated.
According to the Prime Minister, the combination of new developments, land ownership reform, and continued concessions on materials will help empower citizens to build and own homes, strengthening communities and stimulating local economic growth.