The Government of Jamaica has moved a significant step closer to providing safer accommodation for families affected by Hurricane Melissa, following the signing of contracts to support the delivery of approximately 268 semi-permanent housing solutions across Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, two of the parishes hardest hit by the hurricane.

Of the total, 143 housing solutions are earmarked for Westmoreland and 125 for St. Elizabeth. The housing solutions include units provided through the National Housing Trust (NHT), as well as housing solutions provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The combined value of the contracts is J$1.052 billion, representing a significant investment in the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide safe and secure accommodation for eligible families whose homes were impacted by the hurricane.

Speaking at the Contract Signing Ceremony at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development on Thursday, September 3, Permanent Secretary Mrs Arlene Williams in her opening remarks, noted that “This is a major undertaking, and it requires urgency, coordination and accountability. It also requires strong partnerships among Government, Members of Parliament, contractors, technical teams and all the stakeholders who will help to move these solutions from plans on paper to homes for the people who need them.”

Minister with Responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Honourable Robert Montague, said the initiative is ultimately about restoring safety and stability to families displaced by the hurricane.

“Today is not only about signing contracts. It is about giving hope to the families who are affected by the hurricane. At the end of today, the success will be measured when a child has somewhere safe to lay their head and to do their studies rather than in a classroom or in a hurricane shelter,” Minister Montague said.

Minister Montague explained that the decision to utilise semi-permanent housing solutions was driven by the need to provide shelter to affected families as quickly as possible, while the Government continues to consider other housing options as part of the wider recovery effort.

“We really want to ensure that our people move into these semi-permanent homes,” he said, noting that the programme remains focused on addressing the immediate housing needs of families impacted by the hurricane.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of accountability in the implementation of the programme. He noted that prospective beneficiaries were verified by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, with additional checks undertaken to confirm the circumstances of affected households.

The works under the contracts include the excavation of foundations and footings; construction of bases and associated external works; installation of sewage and water distribution systems; transportation and installation of the housing units; and internal wall partitioning and installation of fittings and fixtures.

Minister Montague underscored that, with the contracts now signed, the focus shifts to implementation and delivery.

He further disclosed that another lot is currently out for procurement to support housing recovery efforts in Hanover, St. James and Trelawny, as the Government continues to implement the wider programme.

The Shelter Recovery Programme was established as part of the Government’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa to coordinate and deliver semi-permanent housing solutions to eligible families affected by the hurricane.