NASSAU, The Bahamas -- During the November 4, 2020 contract signing for the installation of civil works for Phase I of the Carmichael Village Subdivision by Kamiller Builders, Ltd., Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferriera lauded the occasion and what it meant for the Government's housing programme.

"Today is a red-letter day for the Ministry of the Environment and Housing, as the Government continues to push forward with its very important initiative, which is to provide homes for all Bahamians," Minister Ferreira said during the ceremony, held at his Ministry on Shirley Street.  "And as we anticipate the economy re-opening and people returning to work -- and rebuilding their lives -- that there are going to be people out there who want to do exactly that; and the way to do that is with affordable housing -- and, of course, all the associated spinoff effects."

Signing on behalf of his Ministry and Kamiller Builders, Ltd., respectively, were Permanent Secretary David Cates and President and Director Dr. Roosevelt Whyms.  Also present were Chief Housing Officer at the Department of Housing LaFrance Williams; Oral LaFleur of the Department of Housing; Supervisor at Kamiller Builders Michelle Morrison-Gibson; and engineer firm representative Javon Rolle of Island Dimensions and Development Company, Ltd.

Phase I of the subdivision consists of 107 lots and the contract is for the installation of roads, drainage and sewerage systems.

"We are very, very pleased and happy at this moment; and we have done a lot of work within this Ministry on the environment side and we are equally committed on the housing side," Minister Ferreira added. "So, here we begin this wonderful journey, which will result in over 100 service lots sold to the Bahamian public at reduced costs, with a gear towards young people.

"This is your time to -- as we move forward out of this pandemic -- work together and get the job done."

Minister Ferreira congratulated Kamiller Builders and said that his Ministry looks forward to working with the company.

"This is a very important project, not just in terms of providing houses; but in providing positive news to the Bahamian people, at a time when we could all use it," Minister Ferreira said.