Long Barracks replaced by new homes

Until two days ago, several families were living in a large house known as the Long Barracks. This building will be demolished and today groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new homes that will replace the dilapidated old structure.

Q: “How many people were living in this house?”

Rufus X, Consultant, Ministry of Housing

“Eight families. Eight families probably with children from four to fourteen.”

Q: “Are there any future plans to do the same to other housing sites that are very similar?”

Rufus X

“Oh yes. There are a lot of improvements that need to be done in this country. People are living in very unacceptable situations here.”

Cordel Hyde, Area Representative, Lake I.

“Southern Belize on a whole, southside Belize City, Stann Creek Toledo, for the most part, have severe poverty problems. Sites like these are only indicative that people are really living below the poverty line so to speak.”

Sherrie Andrews, Former Resident

“Well I feel good because the way how the house was situated, it wasn’t really safe. I guess that this is a very good thing for all of us.”

And it was good to see an eyesore being destroyed by two ministers and a housing consultant. The long barracks did have a roof and windows but when the families moved out two days ago, looters took what little else was left. The building will be replaced by four bungalow style houses for four of the families while the other four will be moved to another part of the city.