Housing Agency of Jamaica Hailed

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has hailed the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) as one of the country’s principal producers of quality affordable housing for citizens.

He said the Agency’s team members have the quality of experience to rehabilitate and rebuild some of the most difficult communities in Jamaica.

“You have done outstanding work, and you have demonstrated that you are one of the premier institutions in this country and one that we will have to depend on to deliver quality housing to working people in this country. They do [that] kind of leg work in the informal settlements and in the depressed areas, and I think it is really critical for the sustainable redevelopment of our communities,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister was addressing the agency’s Open Day function at its head office on Caledonia Avenue in St. Andrew, in celebration of its 15th anniversary since being rebranded.

Dr. Chang said he anticipated the HAJ remaining a premier institution that delivers homes and communities.

“We are not seeking to compete with the big boys in the high end. But the impact within the budget is to allow us to focus heavily on the informal settlements and the areas of urban decay,” he pointed out.

Dr. Chang noted that the HAJ continues to play a critical role in delivering the 70,000 housing solutions programmed for development by the Government.

He hailed the Board and dedicated staff for the work they continue to do to ensure the viable operations of the Agency.

“Fifteen years is a short time in the life of an institution but they have certainly demonstrated their commitment, their talent, and they are growing from strength to strength,” he said.

Meanwhile, HAJ Managing Director, Doreen Prendergast, said the Agency remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of providing safe, affordable, and legal housing solutions to Jamaicans.

During the ceremony, approximately 20 new homeowners at Catherine Estate were presented with keys to their homes.

Catherine Estate, one of St. Catherine’s newest and most affordable housing developments, was built by the HAJ in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company.

The HAJ is a self-financing land and housing development company that provides shelter solutions for Jamaicans islandwide.

Owned by the Government of Jamaica, HAJ falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Its core services include providing shelter solutions on the open market and the upgrading and regularisation of informal settlements.