The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is expanding Phase 2 of its Low Income Housing Programme with the help of the Republic of China Taiwan. Today they handed over $1,425,000 USD that will be used to construct 50 houses as part of the ministry's Highland Estate addition in Belmopan. In his remarks, Minister Julius Espat spoke about how far the programme has come and how Taiwan's assistance will enable them to reach their goal for phase 2.
Hon. Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure and Development
"This programme is a programme that is designed to change lives. We have gone through some rocky roads in trying to establish the programme, our vision was far more than what we are doing now but i will start that you have to dream high and gradually reach there. This grant, ambassador, is so important to us, it will allow 50 more families that are needy to be able to have shelter. Everybody in this room in my opinion is blessed, because we have employment and we have shelter, the people that staff this programme didn't realize i can guarantee how important their jobs would have been until they participated in the handing over of the key to each individual.And not only that the ministry is not only building the homes, we are not only cutting the ribbon we are also there for the recipients to got though the learning process of what it is to maintain a house. That I believe is something that is extremely special for everybody that has worked the programme and it will be special for the government of Taiwan and yourself to be a part of this."
Taiwan Ambassador, Lily Li Wen Hsu
"This project is yet another highlight of the constructive cooperation between our two governments that elevates the welfare of the people. I also vividly recall the day I met Minister Espat, the main topic of our discussion was this programme, this low income housing programme. Minister talked with great enthusiasm about how the ministry implemented this project and how the beneficiary lives are being transformed. I can tell, this programme is very dear to his heart, and indeed it is touching to see this program provide tangible benefits to many disadvantaged families to uplift the well being of so many Belizean people. So we are truly honored to play a part in this programme, we look forward to the completion of the 50 units that Taiwan Contributes. We can't wait to see the smiling faces of those beneficiaries and congratulate them."
The duration of the project is at an estimate of 10 months where approximately 250 will benefit from the programme.
