Secretary of Settlements, Public Utilities, and Urban Renewal Ian Pollard blames onerous Town & Country processes and lack of access to Land Titles as reasons why Low-Income Families struggle to construct more resilient homes
Scarborough, Tobago – As the urgent need to build resilience against climate change impacts communities, the necessity to construct climate-resilient homes becomes paramount. The Secretary of Settlements, Public Utilities, and Rural Development, Ian Pollard, recently highlighted a significant design flaw often observed in homes, particularly those belonging to lower-income families. He noted that these families often do not pay adequate attention to how they construct their homes, leading to problems with certain designs.
Pollard specifically pointed out the lack of proper guttering as a frequent issue. Under the new dispensation of Housing Grants, provisions will be made to support the installation of proper guttering. Pollard expressed his sympathy for many struggling families who are often forced to cut corners when constructing their homes, compromising their ability to withstand natural hazards. He observed that people frequently add on to their homes as they receive funding, but these additions often lack the necessary structural integrity.
Pollard stated that these challenges are key reasons why his Division is partnering with Habitat for Humanity. The collaboration aims to construct climate-resilient homes specifically for the most vulnerable families in Tobago, ensuring they have safe and durable shelter designed to withstand future environmental challenges.
