Habitat plans more construction

Moving into a new house has never been easier in Belize, but not all the recent construction can be attributed to government, D.F.C., or a highly liquid banking system. Jose Sanchez reports.

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-governmental organisation that has been helping Belizeans build homes since 1999. Mirna Paul, Habitat’s National Co-ordinator, says that potential homeowners must assist in the actual construction of houses.

Mirna Paul, Nat’l Co-ordinator, Habitat for Humanity, Bz.

“They have to have their own land, be willing to do the construction of their own home and work in the home of others. They need to have children living with them. Their land has to be filled, and they have to have title or lease fiat for their mortgage to mortgage the property to us. And as well they have to have income of no more than four hundred and sixty dollars a week to qualify for a home.”

According to the organisation’s president, Lillette Barkley Waite, we should soon expect to see some familiar faces shovelling sand and carrying buckets.

Lillette Barkley Waite, Pres., Habitat for Humanity, Bz.

“Habitat for Humanity Belize will be involved in the World Leaders Build that is scheduled for August fifth through the eleventh and will be taking place world-wide. It’s not going to be a blitz, but world leaders and this not only includes politicians but also community leaders, church leaders and diplomats within each country.”

Jose Sanchez

“Who will we be seeing out there?”

Lilettle Barkley Waite

“We will be seeing ministers of government, ministers of churches, city councillors, we will be seeing diplomats, ambassadors to our country out there, actually building these houses.”

Jose Sanchez

“Who will be receiving these houses?”

Lillette Barkley Waite

“The houses are not going to be built then handed to people, the owners are already identified.”

Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.

Three habitat houses have been completed thus far.