Chinese Firm to Build Housing Complex in Barbuda

A Chinese firm is in talks with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to construct a major multi-use apartment complex on the island of Barbuda that could withstand winds of over 320 kph. This comes as the island is reconstructing after the Category 5 Hurricane Irma slammed it on Sept. 6.

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The firm says the buildings would include a supermarket, restaurant, movie theater, clothing stores, and a church, among other amenities.

Barbuda Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst released a statement saying that the Chinese company will return to the island this week to discuss the construction’s price. He assured the parliament’s cabinet members that China can “arrange financing that is low cost and living spaces that would also be within the reach of families with limited means.”

Prime Minister Gaston Browne supports the talks.

The undisclosed Chinese-based firm is an expert in energy and housing construction.

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Irma destroyed 95 percent of Barbuda’s infrastructure and buildings. Browne previously declared Barbuda “uninhabitable,” and ordered the island’s approximate 1,700 population to take refuge in the country’s sister island of Antigua. For the first time in over 300 years, Barbuda was deserted.

The prime minister initially estimated it would cost US$100 million to reconstruct the 161 square kilometer island. Now, he says the government will require about US$200 million to rebuild its infrastructure.

Supportive governments, organizations and private donors have donated about US$50 million to Barbuda’s reconstruction.