Jamaica PM announces $500 mn social housing programme for poor

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that his administration will be spending $500 million on- social housing for the poor and indigent in the country.

Holness, in delivering the keynote address at the Jamaica Labour Party’s 75th annual conference at the National Arena in Kingston this afternoon, said the programme of building will commence in the next financial year.

The prime minister said the social housing initiative will be a part of the Government’s Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme.

He said the Government will be ramping up the programme to bring in more youth which, according to Holness, will be drivers of social housing.

“The Jamaica Labour Party remains committed to ending poverty ... social welfare very important,” the JLP leader said.

Holness said the Government will be making further announcements on the programme when the budget debate begins next year.