Gov’t Committed to Providing Affordable Housing Solutions – Dr. Chang

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the Government remains committed to providing affordable housing solutions for Jamaicans in order to eliminate squatting.

He said there are some 750 informal settlements across the island, with a population of just over one million.

“We have to begin the development of communities at a rate and speed that will prevent the emergence of these informal settlements,” he said, noting that there is an immediate need for between 10,000 and 15,000 housing solutions per year.

Dr. Chang was addressing the open house and launch of the first 80 housing units in The Vistas at Runaway Bay housing project in St. Ann on Sunday (December 18).

The two-bedroom units, comprising 30 bungalows and 50 town houses, come with solar panels, a solar water heater and solar grid-tied system. Amenities include a clubhouse with pool and gym, and jogging trail, among others. The units are being sold at a starting price of $13 million.

A total of 250 housing solutions are to be delivered under the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) project.

Dr. Chang said the Vistas of Runaway Bay project is expected to go a far way in addressing the housing needs in the parish, particularly among hotel workers.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica, I want to congratulate the (HAJ) on this new development. It’s a welcome and much-needed addition to the housing stock,” he said.

“This entire scheme was conceived to be for hotel workers and the service providers to the hotel sector,” Dr. Chang added.