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HAJ rejects claims of preferential government land allocation
The Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) has voiced its dismay and disappointment at recent reports of preferential land allocation at the upcoming Mona development to government supporters.
In a release published today, the Agency rejects such claims as false, misleading and unfounded rumours.
In the release Managing Director Joseph Shoucair explains that “unless and until an Environmental Permit is granted by NEPA there is no project.” Mr. Shoucair emphasises that absolutely no lots have been allocated, no lot prices have been determined and no construction contract has been awarded.
If and when a permit is approved for the development, these 54 lots will be advertised for sale to the public based on the Board-approved allocation policy. Allocations will be made to qualified purchasers on a first come, first served basis only after deposits are paid. Although we expect to dispose of all these lots at market price, it is hoped that the sales will be vibrant as the return from projects such as these is critical to the funding of low income developments and the upgrading of informal settlements.
In the 19 short months since its launch in December 2008, the Housing Agency of Jamaica is on track to completing starter homes and serviced lots in Portmore and Luana St. Elizabeth; serviced lots in Flanker, St. James, Whitehall 2 Westmoreland, Frontier 2 and Eden Park St. Mary; 2-bedroom houses in Portmore; as well as studios and 2 bedroom townhouses in St. Andrew totaling over 1400 solutions.
Starting later this year, the Agency, with Chinese government loan funding, plans to develop over 2,000 new housing units and serviced lots in St. Ann and St. Elizabeth. This will form part of the Housing Agency’s 3-year target to deliver in excess of 20,000 solutions to continue to address the urgent housing demands of Jamaicans. Such an ambitious housing programme has never before been attempted in Jamaica, but the Agency remains confident that it will successfully deliver these planned solutions on time and within budget.
These baseless claims as mentioned in the article are particularly disturbing, given the considerable efforts made by senior management to re-position the organization, enhance transparency and improve staff morale. The Agency however, remains committed to creating a culture of integrity and performance in satisfying the housing needs of Jamaicans.
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=20942
The Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) has voiced its dismay and disappointment at recent reports of preferential land allocation at the upcoming Mona development to government supporters.
In a release published today, the Agency rejects such claims as false, misleading and unfounded rumours.
In the release Managing Director Joseph Shoucair explains that “unless and until an Environmental Permit is granted by NEPA there is no project.” Mr. Shoucair emphasises that absolutely no lots have been allocated, no lot prices have been determined and no construction contract has been awarded.
If and when a permit is approved for the development, these 54 lots will be advertised for sale to the public based on the Board-approved allocation policy. Allocations will be made to qualified purchasers on a first come, first served basis only after deposits are paid. Although we expect to dispose of all these lots at market price, it is hoped that the sales will be vibrant as the return from projects such as these is critical to the funding of low income developments and the upgrading of informal settlements.
In the 19 short months since its launch in December 2008, the Housing Agency of Jamaica is on track to completing starter homes and serviced lots in Portmore and Luana St. Elizabeth; serviced lots in Flanker, St. James, Whitehall 2 Westmoreland, Frontier 2 and Eden Park St. Mary; 2-bedroom houses in Portmore; as well as studios and 2 bedroom townhouses in St. Andrew totaling over 1400 solutions.
Starting later this year, the Agency, with Chinese government loan funding, plans to develop over 2,000 new housing units and serviced lots in St. Ann and St. Elizabeth. This will form part of the Housing Agency’s 3-year target to deliver in excess of 20,000 solutions to continue to address the urgent housing demands of Jamaicans. Such an ambitious housing programme has never before been attempted in Jamaica, but the Agency remains confident that it will successfully deliver these planned solutions on time and within budget.
These baseless claims as mentioned in the article are particularly disturbing, given the considerable efforts made by senior management to re-position the organization, enhance transparency and improve staff morale. The Agency however, remains committed to creating a culture of integrity and performance in satisfying the housing needs of Jamaicans.
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=20942