Beneficiary hails gov't house 'Noah's Ark' for standing up to Beryl's fury
Published:Wednesday | July 17, 2024 | 3:54 PM
Gerald McKenzie and his family are thanking God and the Government that their house, provided under New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), not only withstood the impact of Hurricane Beryl but was a refuge for several flood-ravaged neighbours in Rocky Point, Clarendon.
The coastal community was among the several areas battered by the category four system that skirted near the island's south coast on July 3, and left a trail of devastation.
The McKenzie family is one of 286 families across Jamaica who are beneficiaries of the NSHP, a flagship programme of the Andrew Holness administration for poor Jamaicans.
McKenzie was elated as he and his family stopped Prime Minister Andrew who was touring the area on July 13, to do further assessments of the needs of the community.
“Mr Prime Minister, this was a safe haven for us and other members of the community. The water was rising for some neighbours, and others lost their roof. They rushed to us, and we allowed them in. It was like Noah's Ark,” he said.
Noting that he was pleased that the family was safe, Holness highlighted the durability and safety of the social houses constructed under the NSHP, describing them as structures built to last and weather any storm.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to building sustainable and resilient housing through the NSHP.
"The goal of the New Social Housing Programme is to ensure that the homes we provide are sustainable and solid structures. We are dedicated to building homes that can withstand natural disasters and offer safety and security to our citizens.”
"The story from the family in Clarendon is a testament to the effectiveness of the NSHP. We are not just providing houses; we are building homes that serve as sanctuaries during challenging times," Holness said.
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.