Cabinet Approves Compulsory Acquisition of Land for Inner City Housing Project

Cabinet has approved the compulsory acquisition of 69 parcels of land in Denham Town, St. Andrew in furtherance of the Inner City Housing Project, which is being implemented by the National Housing Trust (NHT) on the government’s behalf.
Making the announcement at yesterday’s (January 31) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Information Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman said the project was “part of an integrated strategy to improve living conditions and the quality of life for inner city dwellers”.
“This should not only result in improved living accommodation but improvement of educational opportunities and the provision of employment through the facilitation of expansion of businesses,” he added.
The properties are being acquired under the Land Acquisition Act (1947) and the NHT has ensured that all the legal requirements have been met.
Senator Whiteman informed that these lands represented a portion of the over 200 parcels of land which were required for the project, the remainder of which have already been obtained.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a government guarantee for the local portion of financing for the Martha Brae to Harmony Hall Water Supply Project. The loan agreement, which will be executed between the National Water Commission (NWC) and the National Commercial Bank (NCB), represents the NWC’s contribution toward the construction works for the project.
“This scheme is in preparation for the major developments taking place in the parish of Trelawny,” Senator Whiteman said, making note of the pending Harmony Cove project, which will be a 1,700-room luxury hotel and high cost residential houses.
“In addition to this, there will be several housing schemes in the area to provide houses for the population that will clearly be required to move into the area to service these particular projects,” he explained.
“There will also be a need for training facilities to assist workers and the community in general in this area of heightened economic activity,” the Minister added. The project is to be completed in two years.