Three Indigent Housing Solutions Delivered in Clarendon North Central

Three deserving residents of Clarendon North Central are Jamaica’s newest homeowners, thanks to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Indigent Housing Programme.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, delivered the keys for furnished two-bedroom units to Marlene Stewart of Pennants and Alberta Henry of Coxswain, while Allan “Jah Lloyd” Edwards of Tanarchy received a one-bedroom unit.

These bring the total number of houses built under the Programme to 87, with another 13 under construction.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Tuesday (August 20), Mr. McKenzie said some $27 million was spent to construct the units, while giving the undertaking that the Government “will continue to do what we are doing when it comes on to the needs of Jamaicans for housing”.

He pointed out that the units built are furnished “so that the [recipients] not only have a roof [over their heads] but they have what it takes to make a decent home”, while encouraging the latest beneficiaries to take pride in their new homes.

Mr. McKenzie informed that indigent housing solutions have been built in all parishes except St. James.

He indicated, however, that the Ministry is on track “to put down at least four units there”.

For his part, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works and Member of Parliament for Clarendon North Central, Hon. Robert Morgan, noted that “every one of these beneficiaries is deserving”.

“That’s one of the most important things about this programme… you will not hear that someone got a benefit who did not deserve it,” he said.

Mr. Morgan highlighted the thorough assessments undertaken for all the beneficiaries by partner stakeholders, including the Clarendon Poor Relief Department.

The new beneficiaries and their families were all smiles and cheers as they walked into their new homes.

Beryl Stewart-Brown, who spoke on behalf of her daughter, Marlene Stewart, told JIS News that, “I am very, very happy for the benefit granted onto us”.

“This will make our lives happy and satisfactory. It is so wonderful that we were remembered by the Government. I don’t have the words to say how grateful I am,” Mrs. Brown said.

Community icon, Allan “Jah Lloyd” Edwards, was a picture of glee, opting even to say his own word of prayer following the official dedication of his one-bedroom unit.

The upbeat visually impaired and physically challenged resident, upon taking a seat in his brand-new sofa, was moved to belt out the lyrics “Happiness… mi nuh inna nothing wid stress!”.

The Indigent Housing Programme was designed to address challenges experienced by the poor and most vulnerable citizens in acquiring homes.

Potential beneficiaries must demonstrate ownership of the property on which the house is to be built or provide documentation that they are lawfully entitled to tenure on such property.

The houses are concrete structures and feature sloped roofs that enable rainwater harvesting.