Two more residents in need on Anegada and Tortola are next in line to see the commencement of their social homes from the Government of the Virgin Islands shortly. Photo: VINO/File

According to Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), a total of 632 applications were received under the programme between 2018 and November 30, 2020, when the programme stopped accepting applications until more funding is made available. Photo: GIS/File

Via a press release issued on Tuesday, February 2 2021, the government said, interested tenders for the construction of the homes to be located at Zion Hill, West End on Tortola and The Settlement on Anegada are welcomed.

In the case of both projects, Procurement Coordinator Mrs Ishma Rhymer said: “The proposed works are comprised of the demolition of existing structures, furnishing of all plant, labour, equipment and materials and performing all operations in connection with the construction” of the said homes in line with the designs and specifications. 

“Eligible tenderers are required to submit Certificates of Good Standing in respect of the Social Security and Taxes including Payroll and Property Tax from BVI Social Security Board, National Health Insurance, Inland Revenue, the Commercial Registry, valid Trade Licence, detailed work programme showing the order in which the various sections of works are to be executed along with other documents as outlined in the tender document,” she informed.

Additionally, tenderers must also present a Tender Bond/Tender Security not less than 1% of the bid price, by way of a bank or accredited insurance company, she said.

Bidding documents will be available from Monday, February 8, 2021, and the deadline for bids is Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 10:00 am for the aforementioned projects.

Forty homes built so far

Speaking about the Housing Recovery Assistance Project, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said during the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on December 31, 2020: “To date, of the 40 social homes to be built, 11 homes have been completed; two homes are still undergoing construction; seven homes are currently being tendered through the Government’s public tendering process, and the remaining 20 homes are in the process to be completed in 2021. Eighteen homes are currently in the design phase; two homes are being considered for approval by the relevant authorities.”

The initiative, which was launched in 2018 under the then National Democratic Party (NDP) government, aims to repair and rebuild hurricane-damaged homes.

Honourable Malone said a total of 632 applications were received under the programme between 2018 and November 30, 2020, when the programme stopped accepting applications until more funding is made available.