The Technical Services, Projects, and Housing Branch is integral to addressing the housing needs of the Jamaican population and facilitating sustainable community development. Through strategic planning and collaboration with various Agencies, it aims to enhance living conditions for all Jamaicans while promoting sustainable community growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Housing Development:
- The Branch focuses on creating affordable housing solutions for all Jamaicans, addressing issues such as squatting, and promoting personal wealth generation through home ownership. This involves collaboration with various housing-oriented agencies, including the National Housing Trust (NHT) and Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).
- Project Management:
- It oversees the planning and implementation of housing projects, ensuring they meet national standards and regulations. This includes managing budgets, timelines, and compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
Objectives
- Addressing Housing Needs: The Branch aims to provide adequate housing solutions to meet the diverse needs of the population.
- Community Development: By facilitating housing projects, it contributes to the broader goal of community development and urban renewal.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Incorporates sustainable practices in housing development to ensure environmental protection and resource efficiency
OVERVIEW:
The Ministry in 1988 took steps to declare 85 Red Hills Road as a Special Improvement (Infrastructure) Area under the Local Improvements (Community Amenities) Act (LICA) as the approximately two (2) acres were occupied without the provision of Infrastructure by then owner Waltham Land Purchase Housing Cooperative Society Limited. The adjoining property at 85 ½ Red Hills Road which was also informally occupied was acquired by the Minister of Housing through the National Housing Development Corporation in 2001.
There are approximately thirty-seven (37) lots within 85 and 85 ½ Red Hills Road (including Lots 1 & 2) and two (2) shops within the proposed development. Lots 1, 2 & 10 were purchased by the Ministry of Housing and the remaining twenty-five (25) lots are to be divested to the occupants. The purchase of the property by the Ministry was completed in April 2023, and possession was obtained in June 2023. The Branch is now tasked with the responsibility to upgrade and/or implement the infrastructure (road; water, electrical, drainage) necessary to provide the residents with the appropriate service lots, as a precursor to the regularization of their tenure.
SCOPE OF WORKS:
- Demolition of Encroaching Structures`
- Removal of Existing Zinc Fences
- Construction of Perimeter Boundary Walls
- Construction of Roadways
- Construction of Storm Water Drainage System
- Installation of Water Distribution System
- Installation of Electrical Distribution System
Pictures:
OVERVIEW:
The Spicy Grove Community was declared a Special Improvements (Infrastructure) area under the Local Improvements (Community Amenities) Act (LICA) in 2019. This declaration was due to the informal occupation of the land by approximately sixty-five households and inadequate roadways and water supply.
In April 2023 the Ministry acquired the property at a cost of Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00). The purchase was completed in April 2023, and possession was obtained in June 2023.
The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is now undertaking a project aimed at the regularization of the informal settlement located at Spicy Grove, St Mary. The project is intended to improve living conditions, enhance infrastructure, and formalize the settlement for sustainable development.
SCOPE OF WORKS:
- Demolition of Encroaching Structures
- Removal of Existing Zinc Fences (Front Boundary)
- Construction of Retaining Walls
- Construction of Roadways
- Construction of Storm Water Drainage System
- Installation of Water Distribution System
- Installation of Electrical Distribution System
Pictures
