Government Will Provide Affordable Housing for Poor and Disadvantaged – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government remains committed to providing affordable housing for the country’s poor and disadvantaged in an equitable and non-partisan manner, through a rigorous vetting process.

Mr. Holness, who was speaking at the handover of a one-bedroom unit to 67-year-old Norma Cooper of Lima, Adelphi in St. James on January 8, said the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which falls under the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, continues to do what it is designed for and devoid of any form of corruption.

“The Government is fully committed to addressing the housing needs of the poor and disadvantaged. We will continue to prioritise transparency and fairness in the distribution of houses, ensuring that those most in need are provided with the support they require,” the Prime Minister added.

He said that the NSHP reflects the Government’s recognition of the importance of safe and secure housing as a fundamental human right, and implementing a thorough vetting process is the surest way to ensure that the houses are allocated to deserving individuals and families with genuine need.

Mr. Holness, in the meantime, said that at least an additional 500 houses will be built under the NSHP during the financial year 2024/2025.

“We plan to increase the budget for the New Social Housing Programme under the Indigent Housing Programme this year, so that we can get to more Jamaicans. We are targeting to do a minimum of 500 units under the New Social Housing Programme this year, meaning the 2024/2025 financial year,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, a tearful Ms. Cooper thanked the Prime Minister as well as Tourism Minister and St. James East Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, adding that she is grateful to have a house of her own.

“I am very grateful for this house… . It feels like I am in a hotel. When I come inside here it’s like I don’t want to come out,” Ms. Cooper said.

“When I went inside the bathroom and turned on the pipe, I said to myself, man, this place looks like it’s a hotel, because I am feeling so good,” she added.

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 housing condition 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 & Job Creation, with the HOPE unit providing administrative and technical support.