Visually challenged woman gets new J$6 million house
A 57-year-old visually impaired Westmoreland woman is the latest recipient of a house built under the Ministry of Local government and Rural Development’s Indigent Housing Programme.
Miss Joyce Booth of Happy Retreat in Darliston, Westmoreland accepted her keys from Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie during an opening ceremony on April 27.
The Minister told the gathering that J$35 million is being spent under the Indigent Housing Programme to provide decent housing for vulnerable residents in the parish of Westmoreland.
“We are playing our part in the 70,000 housing solutions that the Government is presently undertaking…we are there making our contribution,” he said.
“In Moreland Hill last year, we completed a two-bedroom family unit that was handed over. We also installed a mini water shop close by to provide water for that section of Moreland Hill. There is another family unit in Grange Hill; the procurement has been completed and we are expecting to commence construction on that family unit shortly.”
Added Minister McKenzie: “We are now in (Darliston), this one has been completed and we are now going to pay attention to Peggy Barry district where again, another visually impaired person resides….so what we are going to be doing is to give him a house”.
Miss Booth’s one-bedroom unit was constructed at a cost of J$6m and is designed to meet her. It was fully equipped with furniture and appliances and a black water tank. An existing 8000-gallon water storage facility, which serves other homes located on the property, was also rehabilitated.
Miss Leasha Richards gave the vote of thanks on behalf of her aunt. She applauded the Ministry for providing “a safe and comfortable home for my aunt Joyce.”
She also expressed appreciation to the stakeholders, including Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, Mr. Daniel Lawrence and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation for their role in seeing the project to fruition.
“Thanks to all who assisted physically and through kind gestures. Thank you for taking the time out to show that you care.”
