590 Housing Solutions for Whitehall Phase 3 in Negril

Ground was broken for the construction of 590 housing solutions in the Whitehall Phase 3 Housing Development in Negril, Westmoreland, at a cost of some $390 million.

The project will see the construction of 173 studio units and 417 serviced lots mainly for hotel workers, young professionals and first time home owners. Work is already underway is expected to be completed within nine months.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, who on July 18 broke ground for the project, said that the development represented government’s objective and commitment of providing “decent and affordable housing for its citizens.”

“The Prime Minister has emphasized on numerous occasions the need to provide housing for our hotel workers, who sometimes have to travel from far distances to get to and from work on a daily or weekly basis … Today brings with it an importance, that at the end of the nine month construction period, many hotel workers … who have been turning the room keys of Sandals, the Palmyra, the Grand Palladium, the Riu among others … will be turning the keys to their own homes,” Dr. Guy observed.

The Minister further observed that the development will bring an added commercial buzz to the busy Negril area, including more employment opportunities for residents of the parish.

“This project does not merely represent the implementation of a contract with the Share Con Limited, it also represents a partnership with the people.  It represents employment opportunities for the workers who will be engaged in the building sector.  It represents fathers and mothers getting a wage at the end of the work period and it represents families’ economic expectations being realized,” Dr. Guy said.

The Minister congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to protect and preserve the assets that they have successfully acquired.

The proposed scope of work for the development will include paved roadways, a potable water supply system, drainage, sewage collection and electricity for individual lots.  It is proposed that 28 Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) lot owners be assisted in obtaining titles for their properties.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and entertainment and Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, noted during the ceremony that government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of a “fully organized community.”

“This is yet another example of the commitment of this government to the long-term development of citizens of Jamaica.  And this commitment doesn’t just occur in the capital city and its environs, but right across the country. Whitehall Phase 3 provides yet another opportunity for first-time home owners, young professionals and even returning residents to settle and build their lives in this beautiful parish,” Dr. McNeill said.