180 homes presented under housing initiative

A total of 180 homes have so far been handed over to beneficiaries under the Government's New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which aims to provide decent shelter for Jamaicans living in substandard conditions.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness presented the keys for the 179th and 180th units to two physically challenged beneficiaries in St Elizabeth last Friday. A one-bedroom house was handed over to Wellesly McKenzie of Lacovia, while Winston Williams and his family, who reside in Cameron Hill district, received a three-bedroom unit.

Holness emphasised the targeted approach under the NSHP of identifying persons in dire situations, particularly those who are disabled.

"We have to be, as a country and as a government, far more sensitive to persons with disabilities. So, this is something [being] integrated... into the NSHP, because many of the persons that we serve will have some form of disability that affects their mobility and functionality," he added. Holness further emphasised the importance of integrating wheelchair and disabled access into the design of the housing units.

"Though the units are handed over free of cost to the beneficiaries, [they] are not free. [They are] from the Jamaican taxpayers. [This] is part of the Government giving back to the country, giving back to the people, and we're making sure that whatever we give back, it goes to the people who really need it," he added.

McKenzie extended thanks to the taxpayers, the Government, and Holness for the support that has "lifted [my] spirits". Williams echoed similar sentiments, expressing appreciation, having lost his house to fire four years ago. He subsequently suffered a stroke that left him needing a wheelchair.

"Well, I appreciate what is going on for me [and] I want to say thanks," he said.