#JLPConference: NHT on track to deliver 8,500 mortgages - Holness

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said that the National Housing Trust (NHT) is on track to deliver 8,500 mortgages to new home owners.

He was speaking on Sunday at the Jamaica Labour Party's Annual Conference at the National Arena.

Holness said the 8,500 mortgages would equate to about $28 billion.

"That’s the most loans in terms of mortgages that the NHT has given in its 40 years, that’s 8,000 less people who could potentially squat," said Holness.

The Prime Minister said 5,500 housing starts are to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year, as result of the JLP’s management of the NHT since reclaiming government in 2016.   

“That is going to ensure that you have less squatting taking place because these are going to be mostly affordable housing solutions. So when it come to house, I am the builder fi house inna Jamaica. Me not appointing nuh commission fi study squatting, me nuh read 'bout it inna book, me born and grow and understand it,” said Holness.

He added that the aim was to get up to 15,000 new housing starts in Jamaica by 2020 and through partnership with the private sector, provide affordable housing to all Jamaicans.

“If we manage to do that, in 20 years we can significantly transform the landscape of Jamaica and start to meaningfully reduce the level  of squatting and informal settlement in our country,” added Holness.

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