The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is moving ahead with plans to construct more than 20,000 housing units across Jamaica as part of a major initiative to expand access to affordable housing and support post-hurricane reconstruction.
Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, UDC Chairman Norman Brown said the development programme will complement the work of other government housing agencies while increasing the availability of homes in several parishes.
“Presently, our plans are to build in excess of 20,000 houses right across Jamaica in Kingston, St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth and St. Ann,” Brown said.
According to the chairman, approximately 10,000 of the planned homes will be built in southwest Jamaica, where the UDC aims to assist with rebuilding efforts following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.
“We will be using this opportunity in housing to rebuild the southwestern section of Jamaica. That area alone, we are planning to do at least 10,000 houses, and those plans are now far advanced,” he stated.
Brown explained that the developments will be constructed on lands owned by the UDC, allowing the agency to fast-track implementation once the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) is fully established.
“That will help us now to move forward with our plans very quickly, so that we can build units so that people can be resettled and get housing opportunities and move on with their lives,” he said.
The housing programme forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to rebuild communities with greater resilience against future natural disasters.
Brown noted that Black River, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, is expected to undergo significant redevelopment, including the creation of a new urban centre further inland to reduce vulnerability to severe weather.
“As you know, Black River was almost ground zero for Hurricane Melissa. The Government is going to be rebuilding in a resilient way. There is going to be a new urban centre in that area, which will be moved a bit away from the shoreline so it has protection from weather events,” he said.
924 Containerised Housing Units Now in Jamaica for Hurricane Relief Effort
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