Minister of Water and Housing, Dr Horace Chang, has vowed that the erection of 10,000 government-backed houses over the next few years would be specifically geared at low-paid socio-economic groups.

"About 70 per cent of the houses would be for the low-income earners, and are being sold for about $3.5 million. This is a way to help and regularise informal settlements, which (represents) about 25 per cent of the population," the minister said.

Chang was addressing residents in Greater Portmore, St Catherine, last Thursday as the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), a wholly owned government arm, broke ground for the construction of 64 one- and two-bedroom houses.

The Palms of Portmore housing solutions will be sold at an average cost of $7.5 million each and are being designed for middle-income Jamaicans, especially the growing stratum of young professionals.

The lot sizes are 3,600 square feet while the houses measure 734 square feet, with space for expansion.

"These units are for the young persons who want a house and are finding it difficult to get a good location to start. This is the answer," Chang said.

Managing director of the HAJ, Joseph Shoucair, said that the agency was aware of the need to increase the housing stock nationwide and improve the livelihood of informal settlers, more candidly called squatters.

"For unity to exist in communities that are built in the informal setting, we are planning to work with these communities and bring them up to the required standard," Shoucair said.

Social infrastructure

South St Catherine member of parliament Fitz Jackson lauded the HAJ for spearheading the project but urged that it play a greater role in shoring up social infrastructure in the Sunshine City.

"While we are thankful for the houses in your programme, there needs to be a space for the development of the social space, such as community centres and other such places," Jackson said.

Portmore mayor Keith Hinds and Councillor Michael Edwards said the construction of the units would help in the full development of the mainly dormitory quasi-city, which has a population topping 250,000.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com