NHT to roll out 8,000 housing solutions under Developers Programme

The National Housing Trust (NHT) is set to roll out almost 8,000 housing solutions as part of its Developers Programme, reinforcing its commitment to addressing Jamaica's housing needs.

Senior General Manager for Construction and Development at the NHT, Brian Saunders, informed that nearly 4,000 housing solutions are set to start under the initiative, with another 4,000 to come on stream after.

While acknowledging the ambitious scope of the programme, Saunders noted that industry-wide challenges have affected construction timelines.

"The issues that affect the construction industry, affect our ability to deliver the housing solutions. In recent times, there has been a shortage in construction labour that would have impacted us, along with the COVID-19 pandemic and the current situation with a shortage of supplies as a result of the war in Ukraine," Saunders said.

He was speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service Think Tank held in Kingston.

To mitigate the challenges, the NHT has implemented strategic measures, including a partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust, to address the need for locally trained construction practitioners.

The NHT is also working closely with other agencies to streamline development approvals and ensure alignment between national housing initiatives and broader infrastructural plans.

"We seek to have the necessary discussions with them, meetings, forums, and stakeholder think tanks where we sit around a room and have discussions to say this is what we plan to do and how it is that these align with your plan," Mr. Saunders said.

Despite the obstacles, the Senior General Manager emphasised the NHT's commitment to fulfilling its mandate.

The NHT was established in 1976 through an amendment to the National Insurance Act of 1976 and is entrusted with the mission of increasing and enhancing the stock of available housing in Jamaica, as well as providing financial assistance to the neediest of contributors who wish to build, buy or to repair their homes.

- JIS

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