Since its full rollout in 2020, the National Social Housing Programme (NSHP) has delivered approximately 300 housing units to Jamaicans in need, with dozens more currently under construction and additional units planned through the 2025/2026 financial year.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Arlene Williams, made the announcement during a recent handover ceremony for four new housing units in St. Thomas. She revealed that 40 units are currently in active construction and another 75 are expected to be rolled out by the end of the next fiscal year.
“The Government is working assiduously and steadfastly to ensure that housing is high on the agenda and that persons are moved from poverty to a better standard of living,” Williams said.
Emphasizing the programme’s transparency, the Permanent Secretary noted that the NSHP follows strict guidelines for beneficiary selection and contractor engagement. “There is rigorous scrutiny and transparency in our approach at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and we have been instructed by the Prime Minister to do things in a very stringent and transparent way,” she said.
Williams added that applications—most of which are submitted through Members of Parliament—undergo thorough community-based social inquiries before approval. Soil testing is conducted to ensure construction suitability, and contractors are selected through an open procurement process.
She also praised Ministry staff for their dedication to the initiative, describing them as hard-working and committed to its success.
Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the NSHP forms part of the broader Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme. It aims to improve the living conditions of Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens by providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.
