Low-income home builders in Antigua and Barbuda will soon be able to purchase subsidised concrete blocks as part of a new government initiative aimed at reducing construction costs and helping more citizens own homes.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the announcement on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, saying the subsidies will be supported through the government’s upcoming state-owned concrete block manufacturing plant, expected to open within two months.

“We’re going to sell the blocks at cost, and in some cases, we’ll even subsidise the price for low-income home builders,” Browne said. “That’s part of the empowerment programme to help our people build.”

Browne said the plant — being developed in partnership with businessman Jason Hadid — will allow the government to produce its own building materials for public and private construction projects.

“We’re investing in a concrete plant with Jason Hadeed. In fact, we’re taking it over completely,” he said. “So in about two months, the government is going to have its own concrete block plant. We have a concrete plant already. The government is going to have a block plant within the next two months, and we’re going to produce our own blocks.”

The prime minister said the new plant will help stabilise the price of construction materials, reduce government spending on infrastructure, and support national housing development.

“This is about making homeownership easier and more affordable,” Browne said. “By producing our own blocks, we can control costs, guarantee quality, and make sure those who need help most get it.”

He added that the facility will also supply materials for major public projects, including housing, road construction, and community infrastructure, ensuring consistent availability of affordable, locally made building blocks.