SUMMARY
The Government is considering changes to the New Social Housing Program (NSHP) to improve shelter delivery for vulnerable Jamaicans, as stated by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness during a recent ground-breaking ceremony for a new multi-family residence in St. Andrew. This development, named ‘The Hibiscus’, will consist of seven housing units, with construction starting soon.
Dr. Holness emphasized the need to reassess the program to potentially include land provision for beneficiaries without access to land, which currently limits housing construction. He noted improvements in the housing delivery timeline and highlighted the progress of the Hibiscus project, expected to be completed ahead of schedule within six months.
As of July 10, 295 housing units have been completed under the NSHP, benefiting over 1,063 Jamaicans, with additional projects underway. The Hibiscus development will house 16 residents and includes various unit types. The NSHP, part of the HOPE Program, aims to provide affordable and sustainable homes through different initiatives, including the construction of detached units, community relocations, and upgrading multi-family housing.
STORY
The Government is considering changes to the New Social Housing Program (NSHP), which may include the potential allocation of land, as part of initiatives to improve shelter provision for vulnerable Jamaicans.
This was announced by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during the contract signing and groundbreaking ceremony for a new multi-family residence at 35 Hibiscus Avenue in St. Andrew West Central on Thursday (July 10).
Named ‘The Hibiscus’, the project will consist of seven housing units constructed under the NSHP, with work expected to commence on Friday (July 11).
“We have been reviewing the program and, at some point, we will need to make adjustments to… incorporate the search for land for individuals who meet the criteria but do not possess land. Currently, we could be constructing many more houses, but we have reached the limit regarding the number of beneficiaries who own land suitable for building.
“At present, this program does not include land provision. Therefore, if you qualify, you must find the land; you might need to ask a family member, obtain permission from your current residence, or if you own the land, we can build on it. Thus, we will reassess and explore how we can include that,” stated Dr. Holness.
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted that the timeline for delivering housing units under the program has improved.
“The most time-consuming aspects are the beneficiary assessment, securing the land, and then designing the project,” Dr. Holness explained.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for St. Andrew West Central, noted that while the construction timeline for the Hibiscus project is set at six months, the units are anticipated to be completed ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Arlene Williams, reported that as of July 10, a total of 295 housing units – comprising 676 rooms – have been completed under the NSHP, benefiting over 1,063 Jamaicans.
“There are 45 active construction projects, equating to 93 rooms, which will be finished shortly. Sixty-five additional projects will begin soon, certainly before the end of this [2025/26] financial year, adding another 384 rooms,” she stated.
Hibiscus project beneficiary Trevor Atkinson expressed sincere appreciation for the initiative.
The new multi-family residence will accommodate 16 residents – including six children – and is expected to be finished before the year concludes.
The development will consist of four studio apartments, one two-bedroom unit, and two three-bedroom units.
Implemented under the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Program and managed by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the NSHP aims to enhance housing conditions for Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens by providing quality, affordable, and sustainable homes.
The program operates through three methods – offering single detached units for individuals who own or have legal access to land; relocating vulnerable communities; and upgrading tenements, also known as multi-family housing solutions.