32 Housing Solutions to be Built in Majesty Gardens

Thirty-two housing solutions are to be constructed in Majesty Gardens, South West St. Andrew, by the National Housing Trust (NHT), at a cost of $175.2 million.

Ground was broken for the project on March 26, by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.

Construction of the units will result in the completion of Phase 1 of the Majesty Gardens Housing Development, which saw 48 housing solutions being handed over in December last year.

“This 32-unit development will be a new model for NHT inner-city housing. There will be a single storey starter unit with room for expansion. Beneficiaries of these units will also be provided with designs, free of cost, to accommodate the expansion,” the Prime Minister noted, and warned that persons must abide by the specification when adding to the units.

Mrs. Simpson Miller explained that under this revised housing model, which was developed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), beneficiaries can customize their units as their resources allow and in line with the stipulation of the covenant approved by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

The Prime Minister said the housing developments (Phases 1 and 1A) is part of an overall thrust to develop the community of Majesty Gardens.

“What we are doing with housing in this community, is part of a broader commitment to Vision 2030 which says, ‘By 2030 every Jamaican will be living in a well constructed dwelling that is safe and affordable with proper water supply, sewerage disposal and solid waste collection’,” she added.

Mrs. Simpson Miller also pointed to the impact of proper housing on inner-city communities.

“When you provide housing for residents in inner cities, you are providing more than just a roof over their heads. You are providing them with a sense of pride and security; and you are giving them the opportunity to raise their children in a decent, nurturing environment,” the Prime Minister said.

“You are providing an opportunity for children to study, and do their homework in an environment conducive to educational success. You are giving families stability, grounding and literally a sense of belonging. A house provides you with an opportunity to exercise a sense of responsibility,” she added.

Mrs. Simpson Miller urged the residents to be positive examples to other communities. “We want total transformation of Majesty Gardens. Never accept the perception that others seek to impose on you.  Never accept limitations that are placed on you,” she encouraged.

Meanwhile, Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, said that the continued provision of affordable housing across the island ranks high on the agenda of the Government. He pointed out that the Majesty Gardens development aligns directly with the objective.

Dr. Guy emphasized that it is important to drive down the cost of housing construction to a level where people at the lower end of the economic ladder can afford to buy a house and comfortably service a mortgage.

The new solutions in Phase 1A can be expanded to a maximum of three floors. There will be 16 base units, which will have a sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom and a closet; and 16 expanded base units, which will have a ground floor and two sleeping areas, 1 bath, 1 balcony, 2 closets and linen closet on the upper floor.