Gov’t Moves to Improve Efficiency in Housing Sector

By the end of the year, the Government will develop a new structure to reduce duplication in the housing sector.

This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, during his contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives today (April 5).

Dr. Chang said the structure, which falls in line with the Government’s focus on public-sector transformation, also aims to improve efficiency and accountability in the sector as well as provide more houses for Jamaicans.

He said it will address major cost overruns and underperformance in the housing sector.

“The many agencies involved in housing have opened up questions of efficiency and accountability, especially in light of the fact that we have not been able to satisfy the housing needs in any significant way and squatting remains a major national problem. The institutions and their relationships will, therefore, have to be reviewed,” he noted.

Dr. Chang said that while the National Housing Trust (NHT) has maintained a level of credibility over the years, it has not been able to deliver to the wider cross section of the population.

“Policy changes have been made at the Trust, and the Prime Minister has already highlighted those. As it relates to the wider housing sector, it is anticipated that the National Housing Policy and Implementation Plan will be completed this year, and this policy will play a critical role in revitalising and integrating the sector,” he indicated.