Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness last Friday broke ground for the multi-phase Mount Nelson Housing Development in Manchester.

The project is a collaboration between National Housing Trust (NHT) and Henan Fifth Construction Group.

Located about 20 minutes from the bustling town of Mandeville, the development, when complete, is expected to deliver 1,758 housing solutions.

“The development will be constructed on 199 hectares [491 acres] of land located in a prime area to provide convenient access to essential services and economic opportunities,” the prime minister said.

It is designed with a comprehensive infrastructure plan to enhance the quality of life of residents.

It will include paved roads and drainage systems, reliable water supply and sewerage treatment facility, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, and green spaces for recreation, relaxation, exercise and mental wellness.

“It will also have a commercial zone for business opportunities and the area is located within proximity to education and health facilities,” Holness said.

“These amenities will create a modern, well-planned community that fosters growth, comfort and convenience to all its residents,” he added.

He noted that some 1,468 of the solutions will be made up of one and two-bedroom detached units as well as serviced lots, which will be at the disposal of the NHT.

“There are 290 units for which the Henan Fifth Group will decide how and to whom they will sell these units,” he pointed out.

Holness said the NHT and the Henan Fifth are committed to the timely completion of the project, which will be delivered in phases, with the first set expected to be available by July 2026, and another in October of the same year.

“Three more sets will be available in February, June and September of 2027 and the final three sets will be delivered in January, April and July 2028,” the prime minister said.

He noted that “the phased approach ensures that infrastructure and utilities are properly implemented, providing residents with a seamless transition into their new homes.”

Chairman of the NHT, Linval Freeman, in his remarks, said that through collaboration with developers, the agency is able to deliver more affordable and quality housing stock at a faster pace.

“The NHT has been founded on partnerships and we have fostered significant partnerships among employees, employers, workers of Jamaica, mortgage institutions and developers. These relationships have stood the test of time,” he pointed out.

He noted that next year the NHT will celebrate 50 proud years of building a golden legacy grounded in partnerships to provide home ownership opportunities for thousands of Jamaicans.

He said that over the next five weeks, ground will be broken in St Mary, St James and Clarendon for 6,000 units adding to the 4,000 that are now in construction.

“Our housing plan is the road map that will lead to home ownership and opportunities for thousands more. With each groundbreaking the NHT is building on this commitment,” Freeman said.

Senior vice-president, Henan Fifth Construction Group, Ruilin Ji, who spoke through a translator, expressed pleasure at the collaboration with NHT to deliver housing solutions to Jamaicans.

— JIS

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness addresses the ground-breaking ceremony for Mount Nelson Housing Development in Manchester on March 7.