Government is considering a programme to bring the large number of empty Bridgetown buildings, including some abandoned ones, back to the housing market.
It is also looking to get the private sector to help it upgrade a number of state-owned buildings in the World Heritage Site area, Historic Bridgetown and Its Garrison, that are in need of repairs.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart spoke of Government’s plans yesterday morning when he addressed Caribbean Urban Forum 2014, a three-day conference and exhibition at Accra Beach Hotel, bringing together land use practitioners, policymakers, academics and allied professionals interested in urban and land management issues.
“There is a vacancy rate of almost ten per cent in our urban sector, which is clearly unsatisfactory in a country where provision of affordable housing remains a primary goal, and indeed a challenge,” Stuart, who has Cabinet responsibility for town planning, told the gathering.
“We therefore intend to work with owners of unused and abandoned properties, most of which are located in the Greater Bridgetown Area, so that a partnership can be developed for the return of these properties to the housing market.” (TY)
