Holness hands over 32 housing solutions in Westmoreland

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday handed over 32 new housing solutions to beneficiaries of the Shrewsbury housing development in Petersfield, Westmoreland.

The solutions, built under the National Housing Trust (NHT) Labour and Small Materials Programme (LSMP), form phase two of the project. They comprise 58 serviced lots and 32 houses, including 14 one-bedroom units and 18 studio apartments. Holness presented keys to 25 of the 32 beneficiaries at the official handover ceremony. He indicated that seven units have been reserved for public-sector workers and persons with disabilities. Holness also highlighted the inclusivity of the selection process, pointing out that of the 32 contributors chosen, 13 were female and 12 were male, representing a near-equal gender representation. Fifty-two per cent of the selectees fall within the minimum wage income bracket of $30,000 weekly.

He said the selectees will be granted mortgage access at zero per cent interest rate. Seventy-two per cent of the recipients are in the 41 to 60 age group. Holness noted that the selected contributors reflect a diverse range of professions, with 36 per cent working in accounting, administration, and clerical fields; 24 per cent engaged in skilled services areas; and 20 per cent employed in the housekeeping and services sector.

The prime minister informed that the NHT has been making steady progress in achieving its target of developing 43,000 solutions for the housing market. He indicated that the trust has already identified suitable land for these solutions and worked on their designs, adding that "they are now going to the approvals".

However, he noted that there is a significant hurdle posed by the lack of adequate infrastructure. While numerous projects are currently in the works, he acknowledged the existing gap in identifying sustainable water supply sources and an urgent need to address sewage infrastructure.

Holness emphasised that these issues have led to delays in the development process, further complicating the timely delivery of these much-needed housing solutions.