The provincial and federal governments have announced funds to build an affordable housing complex in the Pleasantville neighborhood of St. John’s.

The $13.2-million, 40-unit building will be made available for low-income households, with a focus on seniors and people with disabilities.

The government says eight of the units will be fully wheelchair accessible, with the remaining 32 units being built with universal design.

Minister John Abbott says construction will begin early next year and will take about a year and a half to complete.

He says they have a large wait list for people waiting for housing, and they will be able to fill the new building “on day one.”

NDP Leader Jim Dinn, who has been a vocal advocate for housing issues in the past, says any announcement that addresses the lack of housing is good news.

But, Dinn states with people sleeping in their cars and on the streets now, and with some people afraid to go to local shelters, not enough is being done to address the immediate needs.

He says the province is moving too slow on the issue.