The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to launch a new climate-resilient housing initiative, beginning with the construction of a model home in a local Rastafarian community.

The project, led by the Department of the Environment, will consist of 50 prefabricated homes, each approximately 800 square feet in size. The model home will serve as a prototype to showcase the design and construction standards before the full rollout.

During this week’s post-Cabinet briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to build sustainable and affordable housing suited to the country’s climate risks.

“These homes are designed to be climate-resilient and cost-effective,” he said. “The first model will be constructed in a Rastafarian community and then displayed to the public before the rest of the program is implemented.”

The project will be funded through the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund and the Green Climate Fund, and is expected to support both housing access and environmental goals.

Further details, including eligibility criteria and the locations for the remaining homes, will be released once the model home is completed.