The Booby Alley housing project, which has been delayed for several years, is finally set to begin construction by August of this year.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the project has now been presented to the Tenders Board for the selection of a construction firm to carry out the work.

The selection process by the tenders board is expected to last for two months, with the final selection scheduled for June.

Once the contractors have been chosen, the actual construction work is expected to commence within a 60-day period.

The People’s Republic of China is financing the Booby Alley housing project, as well as a similar project in Mongo Town, as part of a $100 million grant.

The start of the project was initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and further delayed due to issues where some residents had refused to be relocated to enable the demolition or removal of homes in the heavily congested block of houses.

Following a stand-off with some residents, they finally agreed to vacate the premises, allowing for the construction of multi-story condominium-style homes for the residents of Booby Alley.

MP Browne stated that the housing project was necessary to ease congestion and improve the quality of homes for the residents.

He promised that the residents would have the opportunity to share their opinions on the homes during consultations planned for later.

Meanwhile, Michael Joseph, the ABLP Caretaker for the St. John’s Rural West constituency, has disclosed plans to implement a housing development at Yeptons.

He is requesting the Prime Minister’s assistance in raising the financing for the project. Phase One of the project will see the construction of around ninety homes, with additional homes to be built in later phases.