KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Several new housing projects are to begin across the island this fiscal year, as the administration moves to provide affordable solutions for citizens.

Among them will be the construction of 200 studio housing units, priced at $4 million to $5 million at Shooter’s Hill in Portmore, St Catherine.

This was disclosed by Governor-general, Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech at the Ceremonial Opening of the 2016/17 Parliamentary Year at Gordon House today.

The governor-general noted that construction of housing solutions will start this fiscal year at Reid’s Pen in Portmore, St Catherine.

He noted that when completed, the project will see the delivery of some 148 two-bedroom townhouses for the middle-income market.

Additionally, 90 one- and two-bedroom townhouses are slated for Vernon’s Drive in Montego Bay, St James.

He further noted that another project is to be undertaken in Bernard Lodge in St Catherine.

“For this project, the Government will, in collaboration with the private partner, conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed project design to eliminate unnecessary costs and delays,” he said.

In addition, the governor-general informed that housing solutions geared primarily for workers and middle managers in the tourism sector will be constructed at Grange Pen and Ironshore in St James.

“Other priority sites have been identified at Ebony Vale and Angel’s Pen in St Catherine; Hopewell Farms in Hanover; Bottom Pen in St James, and at several smaller sites across the Corporate Area,” he said.

The Throne Speech was delivered under the theme: ‘Building a Partnership for Prosperity’.