MINISTER of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies says his ministry is reviewing the role of the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) in relation to that of the National Housing Trust (NHT).

Dr Davies told the House of Representatives yesterday that the issue, which was raised recently at meetings of the House’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC), was already being addressed by both his ministry and the HAJ board.

“Without question, there is need for a rationalisation of the Government of Jamaica’s housing initiatives,” Dr Davies said.

He explained that a major causal factor of the problems which currently face the HAJ is “undertaking projects with noble social objectives, but which were not financially viable”.

Dr Davies’ statement followed a proposal from the PAAC that the role of the HAJ in providing low-cost housing for Jamaicans should be reviewed.

He said that he will continue to update the House on the matters affecting the agency.

— Balford Henry