UNOPS, Governments and Private Sector Partner to Invest in 10,000 Affordable Houses in the Caribbean

UNOPS is entering a new partnership with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the private sector to launch an innovative affordable housing programme that is expected to create jobs and opportunities for local communities.

Over ten years, UNOPS – through its Sustainable Infrastructure Impact Investment (S3I) initiative – and Sustainable Housing Solutions (SHS) will use construction technology that promotes sustainability, resilience, disease control and use of renewable energy to develop 10,000 affordable homes.

According to Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, “UNOPS vision to expand its development programme to the islands of the Caribbean is perfectly aligned with the region’s vision for economic, social and cultural prosperity, driven by knowledge, excellence, innovation and productivity.”

“This is a welcomed project that will increase the nation’s affordable housing stock and complement the large-scale housing initiatives undertaken by the government thus far. Affordable housing will not only satisfy an extremely high demand for quality, durable homes but will also improve the living standards for many across the region,” He added.

The aim of the agreement is to develop at least 3,000 homes in Antigua and Barbuda and 7,000 homes in neighbouring Small Island Developing States. This agreement is part of a bigger picture, which is to facilitate the construction and distribution of low-cost, resilient housing materials all over the Caribbean. Homes will also have energy-efficient solar panels, waste-to-energy technology and mosquito-repellent coating.