Horace Fisher, Gleaner Writer

FRANKFIELD, Clarendon:

JAMAICA'S HOUSING stock is set to climb significantly with a new partnership forged between the National Housing Trust (NHT), Food For The Poor (FFP) and the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).

The partnership will see a doubling of FFP's housing units for indigents, and the building of another 600 starter units for low-income earners across the island, within the first year of the programme, according to Housing Minister Dr Omar Davies.

Davies, who announced the ambitious low-income/indigents housing programme at the North West Clarendon constituency conference in Frankfield, Clarendon, last Thursday, promised that the programme will see the NHT allocating funds to FFP, while HAJ will develop the infrastructure and FFP will assemble the housing units.

'BIG PLANS'

"As a government, we haven't forgotten about you. As a matter of fact, we have some big plans for you," Davies told hundreds of Comrades at the Frankfield Primary School's auditorium.

He added: "Currently, we are working with FFP for that organisation to double its housing units output of up to 1,200 units annually for indigents. FFP is also contracted to build a further 600 starter units for low-income earners in year one, with these units complete with a kitchenette, bathroom and the basic amenities."

"But it doesn't stop there. While in year one over 1,800 units will be built, we will double this figure in year two, likewise in year three, year four, year five, and so on and so forth, as we take decisive steps to solve chronic housing shortage for persons at the lower end of the socio-economic ladder in Jamaica," added Davies.

rural@gleanerjm.com