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

The National Housing Trust has handed over 27 serviced lots at the Malvern Housing Development in St. Elizabeth, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness saying the project gives families a secure base to build homes in a planned community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Holness said the lots provide more than land, as the development includes paved roads with kerbs, drainage, electricity infrastructure, street lights, street names and traffic signs. He said beneficiaries should build carefully, stay within their means, and treat home ownership as a long-term responsibility.

The Malvern subdivision, about 15 kilometres southwest of Santa Cruz, was originally developed by the Jamaica Teachers Association Housing Cooperative Limited and had 108 residential lots. After reviewing the infrastructure, the NHT took responsibility for completing works and the 30 remaining lots. That number was reduced to 27 after three lots were found to have serious flooding concerns.

Holness said the decision showed the importance of engineering standards and risk assessment in housing development. The project cost just over $100 million.

Of the 27 lots, one was reserved for special groups under the NHT special benefits order, while 26 eligible contributors were selected. Holness said almost 70 per cent of the selectees are women. Five beneficiaries qualified for mortgages at zero per cent interest, five at two per cent, 12 at four per cent and four at five per cent.

NHT chairman Lynville Freeman said the handover formed part of the trust’s 50th anniversary programme and represented opportunity, security and hope for new landowners. He said beneficiaries will be able to access additional NHT financing to build on the lots.

Holness also used the event to urge residents to maintain their homes, yards and public spaces, saying communities should not deteriorate after land or houses are handed over.

The prime minister said the NHT has delivered about 1,019 housing solutions in St. Elizabeth since its establishment. He said six projects, including Malvern, are planned for completion in the parish by 2031 and are expected to provide about 1,993 housing solutions.