The winners of a Government housing lottery four years ago are optimistic that they will be in their new homes in a matter of months.

In 2005, 98 families were given the opportunity to buy a home in Harbourview Village in Southside, St. David's.

After three years of delays, construction on the first 58 units is expected to be complete by next May.

Tanya Dyer, a single mother, said she has been visiting the construction site every week or two and taking pictures of her future home as it's being constructed."My children and I plan a lot. We've already been laying down the ground rules, deciding who's going to clean what," she said.

The mother-of-four won a lottery in June of 2005, giving her the opportunity to buy an affordable townhouse.

The project, spearheaded by the non-profit Bermuda Homes for People (BHP), intended to build 200 homes. The initial plan was to sell half at market value to finance the other half, which would be made available for $199,000 to those who might not be otherwise able to afford a home.

Months later, BHP collapsed and Government took over the project. This June, Housing Minister David Burch said the first of the 58 units would be finished by May of 2010, with the rest ready by the end of next year.

Ms Dyer said yesterday that she and her future neighbours had already picked out flooring for their new homes.

She and her family are now living with her mother, having moved out of a two-bedroom apartment in April of 2008. According to Ms Dyer, the sacrifice will be worth it when she's in her new home.

"It can be a little strained at times, but I just keep on thinking that it's right around the corner," she said

"There have been setbacks, but as a single mother, I would never be in the position to own my own home without this opportunity.

"Our economy really doesn't allow for single parents, unless you're working three jobs and completely ignoring your family."

With one son in college and another suffering lifelong medical problems, getting by has not been easy.

Ms Dyer said that anytime she starts feeling down, she takes out the plans for her future home and pictures herself walking through it.

"I've been to the site a few times and teased the workers," she said. "I told them not to take any more breaks.

"A few of the other people who are moving in said they do the same thing."

Michael Aubrey also won a home in the lottery. Two years ago he considered leaving the Island as rent continued to rise and the project seemed to stall.

Yesterday, however, he said he's optimistic that he'll finally be able to move into his new home.

"They're still progressing, so I feel comfortable," he said. "I don't want to go anywhere else. It's a nice area with a great view. It's a good environment and everything.

"I spoke with Senator Burch. He's been doing a great job. He's an excellent housing Minister. I feel comfortable now."