Future homes constructed under Antigua and Barbuda’s HAPI Homes programme are expected to use cement boards and steel frames sourced from China, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced.

Browne made the disclosure Saturday on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM while discussing the government’s efforts to provide improved housing for vulnerable families.

The prime minister said Housing and Works Minister Rawdon Turner travelled to China last month and identified a factory that manufactures the building systems.

“Going forward, we’re using the cement board with a steel frame,” Browne said. “We hope to import some of those building systems shortly.”

He said the materials would make future HAPI Homes more durable than those currently being constructed.

The announcement followed a discussion about a newly constructed eight-bedroom, four-bathroom home for a family of 29. Browne said the residence would also be furnished.

According to the prime minister, several members of the extended family previously lived together in an old house under severely inadequate conditions.

He said the government became aware of the family’s circumstances during election campaigning and later approved the construction of the larger residence.

Browne praised Turner and Health Minister Michael Joseph for helping to advance the project.

The HAPI Homes initiative assists vulnerable residents with the construction and repair of homes. Browne said the programme originated with work undertaken by police Inspector Frankie Thomas, known as “Raggy,” with support from King’s Casino before it was adopted and expanded by the government.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: HAPI Homes to Use More Durable Chinese Building System.