The Antiguan government is moving to sell subsidised cement blocks to the public as part of an expanding national housing programme, with production already underway at a state-backed manufacturing facility.
According to Antigua News Room, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed the development during Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing, stating that the initiative had been discussed at the Cabinet level and that block production has commenced.
"It was discussed and production has started," Merchant said.
The government is currently finalising the distribution and sales framework for the blocks. Merchant indicated that Housing Minister Rawdon Turner is expected to announce further details in the coming days.
"The modalities are being worked out as to how these blocks will be sold to members of the public," Merchant said.
The initiative is designed to lower construction costs and improve access to essential building materials at a time when demand for housing support continues to grow. Officials say the programme forms part of a broader strategy to ease supply constraints in the construction sector and make homebuilding more affordable for residents.
The subsidised blocks are expected to benefit both government housing projects and private construction efforts. The move is the latest step by the administration of Prime Minister Gaston Browne to strengthen the country's overall housing stock.
