Cabinet Approves Compulsory Acquisition of Lands

Cabinet has approved the compulsory acquisition of 40 properties in Hannah Town, Kingston at a cost of just over $20 million, as well as land in Leith Hall, St. Thomas, in an effort to regularise settlement for longstanding residents.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said the acquisition of the Hannah Town properties will allow the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, to provide splinter titles for 253 units in that section of the Denham Town/Hannah Town Redevelopment project.

The Minister was addressing the weekly Jamaica House press briefing on Wednesday, May 22, at the Office of the Prime Minister.

She informed that the Ministry had previously purchased 54 of the 94 properties forming the Hannah Town section of the redevelopment project. A total of 253 units comprising 65 townhouses, 168 apartments and 20 studios have been constructed on the 94 parcels.

Meanwhile, the Housing Ministry is acquiring Lot 289 at Leith Hall (East Prospect), under Section 1 of the Land Acquisition Act of 1947, to provide security of tenure for the occupants.

“The property is occupied by over 2,000 residents most of whom have been in occupation of the land for more than 12 years and have constructed concrete houses on the land. The community features social amenities such as churches and is within close proximity to a school,” Minister Falconer informed.

She also noted that there are vacant lots that are available for commercial and dwelling purposes.

Acquisition of the land will be funded by the Leith Hall Provident Society, which comprises persons, who reside in the community.

Contact: Andrea Braham