Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Thursday that the long-delayed Booby Alley Housing Project is now on track for completion by mid-2026, calling it a major pillar of the government’s urban renewal programme.

Browne told Parliament during his 2026 Budget Presentation that the 150-unit development in St. John’s is transforming the living conditions of some of the country’s most vulnerable residents. He said the climate-resilient condominium units now under construction represent “resilient housing for the most vulnerable in our society,” according to the budget speech.

He repeatedly credited the People’s Republic of China for funding the entire project, stressing that the assistance comes with no strings attached. “China has never demanded anything from our government and its people,” he said, rebutting claims that the country’s support comes at the cost of national sovereignty.

The Prime Minister said the redevelopment of the Booby Alley community will “improve the standard of living for hundreds of residents and uplift an entire community” once completed next year.

Browne also announced that China will fund an additional 50 condominium homes in Barbuda and 50 in Bolans, with construction scheduled to begin soon. The government will further expand its housing assistance programme for indigent households, including distributing EC$1 million worth of building materials starting next week, and offering low-cost or free concrete blocks through a new state-run block plant launching in January.

He said the broader goal is to significantly upgrade the nation’s housing stock within the next three to five years.

More details are expected when the Budget Debate continues.