NHT Hands Over 27 Serviced Lots In Malvern, St. Elizabeth

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

Speaking at the ceremony in Malvern, about 15 kilometres southwest of Santa Cruz, Holness said the lots come with key infrastructure, including paved roads with kerbs, storm-water drainage, street names, traffic signs, electrical distribution works and street lights. He said the development cost just over $100 million.

The subdivision was first developed by the Jamaica Teachers Association Housing Cooperative Limited and originally had 108 residential lots. After the NHT reviewed the site, it took responsibility for completing infrastructure works and the 30 remaining lots. The Trust later reduced the number of serviceable lots to 27 after three were found to have serious flooding concerns.

Holness said the decision showed the NHT was acting responsibly, adding that families should not be encouraged to invest life savings in land likely to expose them to future loss or damage.

Of the 27 lots, one was set aside 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 qualified for zero per cent mortgages, five at two per cent, 12 at four per cent and four at five per cent. Most are between 41 and 60 years old, while four are between 19 and 35.

The Prime Minister said the NHT has delivered about 1,019 housing solutions in St. Elizabeth since its establishment. Its current parish programme includes six projects, including Malvern, targeted for completion by 2031 and expected to provide about 1,993 solutions.

He also cited NHT recovery support after Hurricane Melissa, including more than 5,078 home grants valued at about $1.974 billion, mortgage moratoria for 36,000 borrowers in affected areas, special roof-conversion loans and insurance claim payments.