JLP promises to build 60,000 new houses if it wins third term

 

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has pledged to construct 60,000 additional houses if it wins a third term in government.

 

This solution to homeownership is outlined in its 110-page manifesto released on Sunday during a major meeting in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St. James.

 

The JLP said the promise will be fulfilled through a combination of direct construction and initiatives that expand housing development islandwide, increasing supply and driving down costs.

 

Addressing the rally, Prime Minister and JLP leader Dr. Andrew Holness acknowledged that the Rent to Own plan of the People's National Party is, on paper, a good idea.

 

But Dr. Holness said it will not fix the shortage of houses in the country.

 

He said the only solution to the 150,000 housing deficit is to construct more. 

 

"The problem is not Rent to Own. The problem is not finding deposit. The problem is not qualifying for mortgage. The problem is a shortage of housing for people to live in. We are not producing enough houses in Jamaica, faster than people are demanding the houses. And this has been the case for the last 40 years in Jamaica. We have a deficit of 150,000 houses in Jamaica. That is the real problem that no fake solution can solve. And the only way to solve that is to build more house in Jamaica," he insisted. 

 

A new JLP administration will also expand and fortify the New Social Housing Programme with a goal of 5,000 units by 2030, targeting the most vulnerable.

 

In the meantime, the Jamaica Labour Party has announced a National Housing Trust (NHT) loan rate reduction that will benefit some public sector workers.