Prime Minister Holness Defends Government’s Social Housing Programmes

– Rejects Auditor General’s Findings on New Social Housing Programme
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has unequivocally rejected the findings of the Auditor General’s report on the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), defending the programme as a well-structured and transparent initiative that has operated without any misappropriation, duplication, or corruption.
Prime Minister Holness explained that while the government has multiple avenues for providing housing support, the NSHP has a unique mandate and operates with robust systems to ensure transparency and efficiency.
“The New Social Housing Programme is carefully designed. First of all, we build on lands that are provided by the beneficiary. That’s a clear distinction. The programme addresses critical needs for those below the poverty line, those whose homes were destroyed by disasters, and those living in tenement yards, with no overlap in mandate with other programmes.”
The Prime Minister has also dismissed claims of inefficiency or duplication, highlighting the programme’s rigorous beneficiary identification system, which ensures that resources are directed only to those who qualify.
“We have established a very robust beneficiary identification system. Oftentimes, we send a social investigator to look at the circumstances of the individual. This system works very well in the PATH programme, the NSHP, the CDF, and in local government.”
Dr. Holness further noted that a multi-agency oversight committee ensures transparency in the selection process.
Rejecting claims of misappropriation, the Prime Minister pointed to the programme’s record of delivering over 300 housing units without any evidence of corruption or waste.
“We have done so without any hint of misallocation, misappropriation, or any form of corruption,” he declared. “We pay very close attention to the report of the Auditor General, but we totally disagree and, in fact, reject the findings as it relates to the operations of the New Social Housing Programme.”
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about duplication of benefits across programmes, clarifying that individuals might access multiple forms of assistance due to their overall need.
Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, assuring the public that the programme adheres to all regulations under the Financial Administration and Audit and Public Bodies Management and Accountability Acts.
“We have administered the programme and structured it in such a way that we follow all the regulations required to deliver this public service in the most efficient and integrous fashion. I find it very disturbing that a programme like the New Social Housing Programme, which was carefully crafted and well-executed, is being almost attacked in this way,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. Holness emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering critical housing solutions to those in need while safeguarding public resources and ensuring transparency at every level.