The controversial Home Ownership Providing Energy (HOPE) programme is to be completely overhauled, the housing minister, Christopher Gibbs, told Parliament on Wednesday, in a plan to speed up housing delivery, improve quality and strengthen public confidence.
The decision to “streamline and modernise” the programme follows earlier challenges that slowed delivery and frustrated prospective homeowners.
As the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance sought an appropriation of $137 510 473 for the new fiscal year during the Estimates in the House of Assembly, Gibbs outlined a broad reform agenda aimed at boosting output, improving quality, and restoring public confidence in the initiative.
The HOPE programme, which is intended to build affordable, energy-efficient houses with photovoltaic cells, has been plagued by construction delays, allegations of mismanagement, administrative bottlenecks, and criticism from applicants about lengthy processing times.
There were also questions raised about the pace of house completions compared to initial projections, as well as the need for tighter oversight and more efficient project management.
Gibbs acknowledged the need for change, pointing to reforms now underway at HOPE.
“HOPE Inc. is streamlining the application, purchasing, and conveyancing process, making it almost entirely online and more accessible for all,” he said. “HOPE remains committed to delivering housing solutions to first-time owners earning $6 000 or less per month. Through HOPE Direct, we are constructing hundreds of two- and three-bedroom homes this year.”
He stressed that the revamped approach contrasts sharply with earlier methods.
“Using innovative building techniques and engaging a range of contractors. This contrasts how it was done previously and we are seeing much improved output of finished houses with better build quality within budget.”
The minister indicated that the industrialised approach to construction – including the use of modern systems and multiple contractors – is central to accelerating delivery while maintaining affordability.
In addition to reforms in process and procurement, Gibbs said the programme will also align more closely with the government’s renewable energy and climate resilience goals.
“With the national framework for battery storage in place, we will position HOPE to be able to deliver on the promise of delivering comprehensive, energy-efficient homes with photovoltaic systems on each roof,” he said. “With this in place, these systems will reduce the cost of home ownership and support our national goal of energy independence and climate resilience.”
The ministry, he said, is guided by six key priorities: resilient and affordable housing; maintenance and rejuvenation of public buildings; modernised land management; stronger institutional capacity; digital transformation; and staff wellness.
“Our mission and strategic focus is dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable and people-centred solutions for housing, land management and maintenance of the public infrastructure,” Gibbs told the House. “Our strategic plan for [2024 to 2027] is anchored on six priorities: delivering resilient and affordable housing, maintaining and rejuvenating public buildings, modernising land management, strengthening institutional capacity, embracing digital transformation and promoting staff wellness.”
Beyond HOPE Direct builds, the ministry is pursuing joint venture housing developments in collaboration with the National Housing Corporation (NHC).
Gibbs said: “We are advancing a robust programme of joint venture housing developments in partnership with the National Housing Corporation. These joint ventures are delivering a diverse mix of family homes, duplexes, and apartments across the island,” Gibbs said.
He identified several major developments now underway or advancing, including Coverley, Brighton, Concordia Gardens and Vineyard to serve a wide cross-section of Barbadians.
“These developments are designed to meet the needs of a wide cross section of Barbadians from first-time homeowners to those seeking to upgrade or relocate.”
Gibbs underscored that the NHC remains central to the government’s housing strategy, particularly as demand continues to outpace supply in several communities.
“The NHC continues to deliver on its promise of providing affordable quality houses for Barbadians,” he said. “By adopting a more industrialised approach to housing construction, as opposed to the traditional artisanal method, the NHC, through these ventures, will be able to construct more affordable, resilient homes at a faster rate, helping us to meet the growing demand for housing across the country.”
He added that the new construction model will also free up capacity for the NHC to address longstanding maintenance issues within existing housing estates – another area that has drawn public concern in recent years.
“This approach will also allow the NHC to place greater focus on the maintenance and upgrading of our existing housing estates.”
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