The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to regulate the growing trend of importing prefab and container homes, introducing a policy that requires prior approval from the Development Control Authority (DCA).
The new measure, announced this week, is aimed at ensuring that all such homes meet the nation’s building standards, which are designed for the realities of a tropical environment and heightened storm risks.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that the number of prefab and container homes entering the country has risen sharply, particularly from China and other overseas markets. He said while these units have been benefiting from duty concessions, Cabinet determined that oversight was urgently needed.
“Our construction guidelines are different to other countries because of our tropical nature,” Merchant explained. “With the increase in these imports, there is a need for individuals to seek approvals to ensure the quality of the homes meet our guidelines.”
The policy will also apply to homes already on island but awaiting clearance at the port. Each will undergo inspection by the DCA to determine whether they are safe and suitable for occupancy.
“The aim is to ensure that persons who are going to occupy those homes are safe,” Merchant said. “Unfortunately, if these homes are not deemed safe, permission cannot be granted.”
He added that in some cases, recommendations could be made to strengthen units so they conform to local durability standards.
The government insists the decision is not meant to discourage investment or innovation in housing, but to protect residents from potentially unsafe structures. The policy underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to maintaining high building standards while balancing affordability and safety in the housing sector.
Sooooo disingenuous!! If they are so concerned about building codes for Antigua, then there is the inspection remedy available to them. Once the homes are here, have them inspected by DCA, and make sure they’re up to local standards. This is just another way of hamstringing poor people!! BTW, American built homes must meet stringent standards. They are hurricane, flood, snow, and fire safety standards that must be met. I’ve seen haphazard, poorly constructed, wooden structures, thrown up all over the place. Who inspected those? Where is the concern about those? Somebody is evidently upset that they’re getting cut out of a lucrative opportunity. Just wait until some prominent businessman starts importing them for resale at exorbitant prices. There will be no concern then!!
Facts
So if is that the people can afford why restrict them. Not everyone can afford the prices of these homes ah you ah sell. And those who can afford it not friends with anybody at national housing or Chapa
Inside the yard of 1735, the prison/jail filled with the same Prefab and Container Home to house prisoners. The construction project that is going on at the east section of the airport airstrip has some of the same Prefab and Container Home use for offices. You mostly see these types of prefab containers structures at major construction sites on island. I didn’t know that type of structure has gotten out of control.
I remember seeing these type prefab homes in the poorest areas in America especially in the south.
These structures are not suitable for Antigua since we’re prone for hurricanes.
Not surprised Cabinet step in. Too many of these container houses just popping up with no oversight.
Hurricanes don’t care if it’s prefab or concrete, build strong or don’t build at all.
This is a smart move. Too many cheap prefab houses are being dumped here without considering hurricanes or our climate. Safety must come first
This is a smart move. Too many cheap prefab houses are being dumped here without considering hurricanes or our climate. Safety must come first
I agree with this. A home is an investment for life, and it has to withstand storms. Oversight is necessary.
The process of getting a house from Chapa and national housing is so stressful if you’re not politically affiliated. Those houses are often poorly constructed leaving the home owner burdened with addition debt, long waiting times for resolution of issues and high interest rates and legal charges for mortgages. I guess the government, with their plan to sell more homes, sees these containers homes as a major competition due to the cost and hassle free construction.
We should give a area where they all go like a community of Prefab homes.
Prefab and container homes can be sustainable and affordable. Tightening rules should be about quality, not making them harder to access
Sounds like they’re protecting the local construction industry more than protecting people.let folks decide what they want to live in
Just make it a requirement that the owners brick these structures/ bring them up to code upon installation/ construction. A few cinder blocks, mortar and roof ties is a start.
Every time people find a cheaper way to own a home, the government steps in to put more red tape. Why not just guide people instead of blocking them