KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) Limited yesterday announced major management changes to tackle accumulated losses of more than $2 billion within the past three years.

The agency said in a release that the move will see changes in the direction and strategic focus of the organisation with a view of returning it to its core mandate.

HAJ, which was established to provide low-income housing solutions for Jamaicans, has been mandated by the government to ensure that losses are reduced and that it realigns itself, according to the release.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Norman Brown revealed that the board has also taken note of the last two damning audits of the agency, which revealed significant deficits in the management. Accordingly, the agency has announced the separation of the managing director, the director technical services and the senior managers with responsibility for construction, finance and information, and legal service/company secretary effectively immediately.

Brown added that “We are very concerned with the financial situation we have found since we took oversight of the agency. The agency’s financial performance is very troubling with severe losses over the past three years as 2013/2014 – ($608,788,000.00), 2014/2015 – ($539,099,000.00), 2015/2016 – ($848,574,456.00 – Projected). The board had no choice but to act. Immediate action is being taken to review the governance arrangements and project-management practices of the HAJ.”

He noted that the new changes are aimed at addressing some of the recommendations of the audits and to bring the agency to a place where it is fulfilling its original mandate and giving the people of Jamaica value for money.

He revealed “The board has decided to make some far-reaching reforms at the Agency. We have appointed Mr Gary Howell, who is currently Senior Manager for Sales & Services as Acting Managing Director in the interim. Mr Howell has over twenty years’ experience at the agency and his expertise and professionalism are well established. All other vacant positions will be filled by persons already employed at the agency”.