Five new home owners in Braco, Trelawny, were on June 4, presented with the keys to their new home under the Collaborative Housing Project. This is a joint effort between the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Housing and food For the Poor (FFP).
Minister without Portfolio (Housing), Ministry of Transport, Works, and Housing, Dr. Morais Guy (right), was among the many persons sharing the joy of proud new homeowner, Christine Jenkins (left), of Braco in North Trelawny, after presenting her with the keys to her house during the handing over ceremony in the community, on June 4. Also sharing the moment are: Executive Director, Food for the Poor, David Mair (2nd left); Project Director, Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), Carolyn Gardner (centre); and Attorney General and North Trelawny Member of Parliament, Patrick Atkinson.-JIS photo
Up to one month ago, Christine Jenkins of Braco in North Trelawny and her five children lived outdoors, on sidewalks, under trees, in old derelict motor vehicles and buildings, just about anywhere they got the chance to lay their heads at nights.
But, the prolonged feeling of desperation and despair consequently besetting the family has dissipated into hope and optimism. This, as Ms. Jenkins is among the recipients of the initial 2,125 wooden houses built under the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Housing /Food for the Poor (FFP) Collaborative Housing Project, between October 2012 and May 2015, at a cost of approximately $798.8 million.
Construction is being carried out under the Government’s Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), with management from the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).
Also included are some 500 houses earmarked for residents of St. Mary, Portland, and St. Thomas, who lost their homes during the passage of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.
COMFORTABLE
Fifty-three of the houses, which comprise comfortable living space, a bathroom outfitted with a flush toilet and shower, kitchenette and solar power panel installations, have been constructed in Trelawny.In delivering the keynote address, Dr. Morais Guy lauded the collaboration facilitating the project’s implementation.
“This type of (private/public sector) partnership that we have had with Food for the Poor, is something that the Government of Jamaica is very mindful of, as it is yielding significant benefits,” Minister Guy stated.
The keys to five of the units located in Braco, were formally presented to the new homeowners including Ms. Jenkins, by Minister without Portfolio (Housing) in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr. Morais Guy, during a ceremony in the community, on June 4.
