Social Houses handed over in Central Kingston
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Two social housing solutions were handed to needy families in Central Kingston through the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).
In his remarks, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said more than 40 housing units have been constructed within the Corporate Area under the Ministry’s Indigent Housing programme.
He added that funding has been earmarked for the construction of three additional houses in Central Kingston under the programme.
“The need for housing is the number one priority for the Government. It is our responsibility as a Government to respond to the social needs of areas such as Southside (Central Kingston) and other communities right across the country, “the Minister shared.
“There is a need for serious social intervention in Central Kingston and for a constituency and for an area that for many years have been loyal. It speaks poorly to those who were at the steering wheel before.”
The houses, which are sited at 27 Fleet Street and 29 Barry Street, were handed over during a special on October 6. The units were constructed from reinforced concrete and comprise two bedrooms, living and dining rooms, kitchen, and a bathroom.
Four more houses are also under construction in the communities of Allman Town and Rae Town.
Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Honourable Floyd Green, who represented Prime Minister Andrew Holness, said the Government is tireless in its efforts to deliver on its promise of constructing 70,000 housing units.
“This Government appreciates that a home is essential if our Jamaican people are really going to embrace their prosperity, and our Prime Minister has set his sights on ensuring that our people across all social classes have access to owning a home.”
Member of Parliament for Central Kingston, Donovan Williams, said the construction of the homes will revitalise the area and encourage civic pride.
The NSHP is the housing component of the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme.
It was developed to improve the housing conditions of the country’s poor and disadvantaged by providing quality affordable and sustainable housing. It is being implemented through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, in collaboration with the HOPE Unit.
