Jamaica: Prime Minister and the Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation of Jamaica – Andrew Holness, has started and initiated the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) as the housing component of the HOPE programme. Prime Minister announced that the programme was developed to make the housing condition in the country better for the poor and disadvantaged population. The programme aims to provide quality, affordable and sustainable housing.

Through this initiative, the government of Jamaica has promised to provide administrative and technical support under the HOPE unit of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC).

The NSHP has been divided into three implementation modalities, which will help to maximize its effectiveness.

The provision of indigent housing ~ PM Holness assured that the benefits would be equitably distributed across all constituencies, with each constituency receiving five (5) units per annum. According to the government, approximately 315 housing units per annum will be constructed under this modality.

The Upgrading of Tenements (‘Big Yards’) ~ One such project will be undertaken per constituency.

Relocation of vulnerable communities ~ Persons who resides in the housing units in imminent danger will be given priority attention.

The implementation of the NHSP is according to the Housing Act and is governed by key pieces of legislative instruments as well as policies to, include:

– The Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act
– The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act
– Government of Jamaica Procurement Guidelines
– The Building Regulations for the respective municipalities
– Local Improvements (Community Amenities) (LICA) Act