BALACLAVA, St Elizabeth — Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller last week participated in the presentation of ‘letters of possession’ to new owners of lots developed by the National Housing Trust (NHT) for a planned housing development to be known as Balaclava Heights.

The NHT said it had developed 113 lots (110 for residential purposes at an average size of 7,000 square feet, and three of an average size of 6.1 acres for agriculture) at a cost of $237.1 million. Prices for residential lots range from $2.1 million to $3.1 million, while the agricultural lots are being sold for $5.25 million.

The NHT said the development will target young home owners, with 82 per cent of the people approved for the Balaclava scheme between 26 to 45 years old. The NHT said 35 per cent of lot owners are from the “administrative, clerical and accounting” job group; 23 per cent are teachers; 24 per cent are in a range of jobs including drivers, mechanics, farmers, plumbers and office helpers; nine per cent are medical personnel; and nine per cent are involved in security.

According to the NHT, the development includes green areas and playfield/communal recreational areas, paved roads and kerbs, storm water drains, potable water distribution network and a JPS pole distribution system.

Simpson Miller said the project represented a case of “promise made, promise kept”, since a few years ago she had pledged a housing development for the Balaclava area.