The Ministry of Housing has distributed the first tranche of its Home Improvement Grant to 38 families, marking a significant step in its commitment to improving the living conditions of citizens and helping create safer and more comfortable living spaces.
The Ministry’s Housing Programme Facilitation and Implementation Unit distributed the grants, providing much-needed support to low-income households on Thursday.
Minister of Housing, Dr. David Lee, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating that it holds deep importance to the government. He described the grants as “quick wins” that will contribute meaningfully to improving the quality of life for families across Trinidad.
“Over the next few weeks other persons will receive second tranche cheques. This is not just an investment in your homes and the existing housing stock but is an investment in you, our citizens, so that you can enjoy fundamental human dignity and a better quality of life.”
Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Phillip Alexander, commended the dedicated efforts of Ministers and their respective Ministries for taking a proactive approach in order to better serve citizens.
He emphasised that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar consistently reminds the Cabinet that their primary responsibility is to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“It is a new era. When UNC wins, everybody wins. This is it. This is the wins, this is our second one hundred days, and I told somebody this morning that the first one hundred days set a record, the second hundred days are going to eclipse the first hundred days. We have a strong leader, we have strong leaders. The Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Dr. Lee, has a clear vision for where we are trying to go, led by our Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and we are just happy to be able to do this job.”
One recipient, Indranie Anita Ragoonathsingh, having waited approximately seven years for this grant, said it will have a real impact on improving her living situation.
“My grant actually is for electrical, and with the old wiring that we have at home, the bill comes up to a lot, so with this new wiring now it will resolve that issue, hopefully, and I am very, very grateful for it, very, very thankful. This was amazing news to come and collect and receive this grant, and I am appreciative.”
Minister Lee revealed that during the 2024/2025 fiscal period, the Ministry successfully disbursed approximately $4.8 million in Home Improvement Grants, improving the lives of over 640 families.