KINGSTON, Jamaica — There would be another 60,000 new housing solutions for the people of Jamaica if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) forms the next government, according to JLP leader, Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

At a JLP mass meeting in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, Holness pointed out that as he walked through several communities, he has observed the poor living conditions of residents.

“Some people not living anywhere,” he stated frankly.

Underscoring his own family’s struggles with housing during his early upbringing in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Holness said his administration has found the formula to drive down house prices locally.

He noted that the JLP has kept its 2020 promise of building 70,000 new houses over the last five years.

“That is why we have targeted to build 70,000 new houses in Jamaica, and we have programmed that 70,000 houses… The NHT (National Housing Trust) has already programmed 50,000 of that, and the HAJ (Housing Agency of Jamaica) and the New Social Housing Programme, in addition to what we’re building in Bernard Lodge, will complete the commitment of 70,000 new houses,” the prime minister shared.

Holness reiterated that the 60,000 new housing solutions to be constructed under his next term in office is part of the objective to make housing prices cheaper.

“The objective is to increase the supply of housing so that the price of houses can stabilise and get cheaper; that is the real challenge. This Administration has unlocked the secret of doing that. We’re doing it under the NHT, we are doing it with our new development such as in Bernard Lodge, and we have recently announced a massive new development which will take place in Inswood, which will see 10,000 houses under the Greater Inswood Development Area,” Holness explained.

Meanwhile, the JLP leader said if the JLP is returned to office, it will launch an expansion of social housing in Jamaica.

“We’re going to be using building systems, prefabricated houses that we can come and just place on the lots that people have to help those persons who are living in dilapidated homes so that you can get access to better quality housing more quickly,” Holness informed.

Additionally, he said his administration will deal with ‘big yards’ and tenement yards during the next term.

“That is not a promise, that is a commitment, because we have studied the problem, we have put the system in place, we know what to do, and we have the financing targeted for it,” the prime minister said.