NHT hands over 27 serviced lots at Malvern housing development in St Elizabeth

The National Housing Trust has handed over possession letters for 27 serviced lots at the Malvern Housing Development in St Elizabeth, advancing its 50th anniversary programme under the theme of building communities and housing generations.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness led the ceremony, joined by Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for South Eastern St Elizabeth, Franklin Witter; NHT Chairman Lynville Freeman; and Managing Director Martin Miller.

The Malvern subdivision, about 15 kilometres southwest of Santa Cruz, was first developed by the Jamaica Teachers Association Housing Cooperative Limited with 108 residential lots. After reviewing the site, the NHT took responsibility for completing infrastructure works on 30 remaining lots, later reducing the number to 27 because three had serious flooding concerns.

Holness said the decision reflected the standards expected of the NHT, noting that families should not be encouraged to invest their savings in land that could expose them to future loss. Completed works include paved roads with kerbs, street names and traffic signs, stormwater drainage, electrical distribution and street lighting. The development cost more than $100 million.

Of the lots, one was reserved for special groups under the NHT special benefits order, while 26 eligible contributors were selected. Holness said nearly 70 per cent of the beneficiaries are women. Five selectees qualified for mortgages at zero per cent interest, five at two per cent, 12 at four per cent and four at five per cent.

Freeman said the handover represents opportunity and security for families, especially as St Elizabeth continues recovery and renewal following Hurricane Melissa. He said recipients will be able to seek additional low-interest NHT financing to build on the lots.

The Prime Minister said the trust has delivered about 1,019 housing solutions in St Elizabeth since its establishment. Six current projects, including Malvern, are projected to add about 1,993 more solutions in the parish by 2031.