Local Government Minister Reiterates That the Ministry Does Not Own the Houses It Builds Through the Indigent Housing Programme
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is reiterating that the Ministry does not own the houses that it builds for beneficiaries selected under the Ministry’s Indigent Housing Programme. “I am concerned that a level of genuine confusion still exists with regard to how this important Programme works. Indeed, a news item was broadcast early yesterday morning by Radio Jamaica, regarding our most recent official ground-breaking ceremony for a three-bedroom concrete Indigent House in Porus in Manchester. That newscast contained a statement that the “Government maintains ownership of the units under the scheme.”
This is absolutely not the case. The Ministry does not, and is not seeking to own the houses that are built through the Programme.
“I want to re-emphasize the point that persons who are selected as beneficiaries are required first and foremost to be Registered Poor. They also have to be owners of the land, or have verified permission to use the land on which the structures will be built. The Ministry’s construction of these houses is free of cost, and there are no strings attached. The Indigent Housing Programme reflects my commitment and obligation as Minister, to provide Poor Relief to our citizens who are assessed as needing it. The provision of these stylish, practical and modern houses reflects our determination to lift our service to our most vulnerable citizens to a new level, that gives them a tangible experience of dignity.”
Contact: Communications Unit
Ministry of Local Government and Community Development61 Hagley Park Road
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-618-7360-1
