Government Commit to Transforming Communities by Formalizing Housing in Inner-City Areas
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to tackling the deep-rooted issues of informal settlements and urban decay.
Speaking on Friday (December 13) at the handing-over ceremony for the Victoria Palms Housing Development in Denham Town, Dr. Holness addressed the housing challenges in inner-city communities and pledged to uplift vulnerable Jamaicans by formalizing housing through community renewal.
“This is a significant moment, not just for Denham Town, but for all of Jamaica,” stated Prime Minister Holness. “We come together to celebrate the fruits of partnership, vision, and perseverance as we officially hand over 12 units in the Victoria Palms Housing Development.”
The Victoria Palms project is part of the government’s Social Housing Programme, which aims to replace substandard houses with structured, secure housing.
The Prime Minister highlighted the historical context of informal settlements in Jamaica, tracing their emergence to the Great Depression of 1929, which spurred urban migration and overcrowding in Kingston.
“About 60 percent of Jamaica’s population lives in informal settlements. These areas lack proper infrastructure and ownership, creating conditions where crime thrives. To change this, we must not only rebuild communities but also rebuild our economy to sustain these improvements,” Prime Minister Holness explained.
Prime Minister Holness drew a connection between informal settlements and Jamaica’s high homicide rate, emphasizing that formalizing these communities is integral to reducing crime and improving the quality of life of residents. He assured Jamaicans that the government’s regularization efforts would empower citizens by granting them legal ownership of their homes and land.
The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s strategy to accelerate the transformation of communities like Denham Town in Kingston. The approach involves dedicating substantial resources to urban renewal, providing secure housing, and creating economic opportunities.
“We are pivoting to the delivery of benefits. We will rebuild communities at scale, ensuring that areas like Denham Town, St. Paul’s Lane, and others across Jamaica are transformed into peaceful, productive, and prosperous spaces,” Dr. Holness noted.
The government’s intervention at Victoria Palms exemplifies its broader strategy to formalize and revitalize informal settlements. The residents will receive legal titles, enabling them to own their properties, build equity, and take pride in their homes.