The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed an implementation agreement with the People’s Republic of China for the second phase of a grant-funded housing programme that will deliver 100 new homes across Antigua and Barbuda.

The agreement, signed at the Cabinet Room on Wednesday, provides for the construction of 50 homes in Bolans and 50 in Barbuda. The project follows the near completion of the Booby Alley redevelopment and forms part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei said the agreement represents another step in China’s support for Antigua and Barbuda’s sustainable development and reflects continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

“The housing project means good support from the Chinese government to the sustainable development of Antigua and Barbuda in terms of the people’s well-being,” the ambassador said, adding that the initiative demonstrates the continued development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the signing as “a day of friendship and a day of gratitude,” thanking China for what he said is an estimated US$20 million grant to finance the project.

According to Browne, the development will consist of climate-resilient, single-storey two and three-bedroom homes built on approximately two-and-a-half to three hectares of land at each location.

He said the programme is intended to expand access to quality housing, particularly for lower-income families, while supporting social mobility and improving living standards.

The Prime Minister also highlighted China’s contributions to Antigua and Barbuda over several decades, including support for healthcare, education, infrastructure, sports facilities, the airport, seaport and housing development. He said the relationship between the two countries is based on mutual respect and cooperation rather than geopolitical interests.

Government Senator for Barbuda, Knacyntar Nedd, welcomed the project, saying it aligns with the government’s goal of expanding home ownership opportunities, particularly for young people.

She said the homes will help residents move from rental arrangements into home ownership and announced that the development will operate under a rent-to-own model, allowing qualifying families to purchase homes without first securing traditional bank financing.

Construction on the second phase is expected to begin following the completion of the necessary preparatory work under the newly signed implementation agreement.