Critical repairs to a social home in the Eighth District have stalled after reaching the programme’s $100,000 funding limit, leaving an elderly resident in potentially dangerous living conditions, officials revealed during a recent Standing Finance Committee deliberations.
District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn brought the urgent matter before the committee, expressing deep concern that the resident had returned to the home despite ongoing safety issues, including a roof at risk of collapse.
Penn said that despite the ministry’s intervention, the worst parts of the issue still persist adding that that recent attempts at repairs may have worsened the situation.
Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Greg Massicote, confirmed that over $90,000 has already been invested in the property through the post-hurricane social housing programme. He explained that further repairs, particularly to the roof, would require detailed architectural designs and additional cost analysis.
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent Wheatley outlined the programme’s structure, which categorizes assistance into repairs, partial builds, and full builds. Noting that this particular project falls under repairs, Wheatley confirmed that the $100,000 price cap in the guiding policy limits further action from the Ministry.
The situation highlights broader challenges facing the Territory’s hurricane recovery efforts, as construction costs continue to rise well above pre-2017 levels. Permanent Secretary Tasha Bertie revealed the Ministry is actively seeking solutions, including the possibility of increasing the funding ceiling for repairs. She noted however that such adjustments would require Cabinet approval and would be evaluated on a case by case basis.
In the interim, Hon. Penn has committed to working with the family to explore temporary housing alternatives, with the possibility of assistance from the Social Development Department, which offered to assist if the family meets eligibility requirements.
Both Penn and Ministry officials emphasised the immediate need for the family to vacate the property until structural issues can be properly addressed, prioritizing safety over temporary solutions.
The case adds to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of current social policies in meeting the Territory’s ongoing recovery needs, particularly as construction and other living costs continue to challenge efforts across the Virgin Islands.