180 New Social Housing Programme Units Already Handed Over
By: , January 14, 2024
Photo: Michael Sloley
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second right), cuts the ribbon to formally hand over a one-bedroom unit under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) to beneficiary, Wellesly McKenzie (second left) of Lacovia in St. Elizabeth on Friday (January 12). Looking on are (from left) Chair, Oversight Committee, NSHP, Judith Robb; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport and St. Elizabeth North Western Member of Parliament, Hon. William James Charles (J.C.) Hutchinson.The Full Story
A total of 180 homes have so far been handed over to beneficiaries under the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which aims to provide decent shelter for Jamaicans living in substandard conditions.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, presented the keys for the 179th and 180th unit to two physically challenged beneficiaries in St. Elizabeth on Friday (January 12).
A one-bedroom home was handed over to Wellesly McKenzie of Lacovia, while Winston Williams and his family, who reside in Cameron Hill District, received a three-bedroom unit.
In his address, Mr. Holness emphasised the targetted approach under the NSHP of identifying persons in dire situations, particularly those who are disabled.
“We have to be, as a country and as a Government, far more sensitive to persons with disabilities. So, this is something [being] integrated… into the NSHP, because many of the persons that we serve will have some form of disability that affects their mobility and functionality,” he added.
Mr. Holness further emphasised the importance of integrating wheelchair and disabled access into the design of the housing units.
This consideration aligns with the Government’s commitment to ensuring that support reaches those who truly require it, according to the Prime Minister.
He said that as the initiative progresses, the integration of accessibility features will be prioritised, reflecting a broader sensitivity to the diverse needs of beneficiaries.
“As you can see, the units are very well built and, [at] today’s prices, reasonably costed,” Mr. Holness pointed out.
“Though the units are handed over free of cost to the beneficiaries, [they] are not free. [They are] from the Jamaican taxpayers. [This] is part of the Government giving back to the country, giving back to the people, and we’re making sure that whatever we give back, it goes to the people who really need it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie extended thanks to the taxpayers, the Government, and the Prime Minister for the support that has “lifted [my] spirits”.
Mr. Williams echoed similar sentiments, expressing appreciation for the Government’s efforts on his behalf, having lost his house to fire four years ago and subsequently suffering a stroke that left him wheelchair-bound.
“Well I appreciate what is going on for me [and] I want to say thanks,” he said.
The NSHP was established in 2018 by the Prime Minister as the housing component of the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme.
It was developed to improve the living conditions of the country’s poor and disadvantaged population by providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing.
The Programme is being implemented through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with the HOPE unit providing administrative and technical support.