Housing Solution For 2018 Victims Of Fire In Olympic Gardens

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the families in Olympic Gardens, Kingston, that were displaced because of fire in November 2018, will be the beneficiaries of a free housing solution, which is currently under construction.

He made the disclosure during a tour of the constituency on Friday (February 4), when he visited the site.

Mr. Holness noted that the rebuilding of the 12-unit property is spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, under the Indigent Social Housing Programme. The property will house approximately 18 families.

Each unit will include a kitchenette, living room, bathroom and bedroom. Reconstruction began in November last year and it is estimated to be completed in May.

“We hear the constant call for housing solutions. We also hear the complaints regarding the price of the solutions. So, we have great demand for housing but not everyone has the income to be able to afford a housing solution. So, the Government has gone very deep into the problem, to figure out how we can bring solutions that match the income level of those who desire a housing solution for themselves,” Prime Minister Holness said.

One of the victims of the fire, 65-year-old, Lucinda Ratigation, said she is looking forward to its completion. “This made me feel good and I can’t wait for it to finish so that I can come back and live comfortably,” she said.

According to Prime Minister Holness, the land has housed the beneficiaries’ families for generations, since the 1950s, in the community.