BENEFICIARIES OF INDIGENT HOUSING PROGRAMME HAPPY FOR NEW HOUSES
KINGSTON, Dec. (JIS):
Overwhelmed with emotion, tears of joy flowed down the faces of Ellenor Whyte and Carmel Maxwell when they were handed the keys to their new two-bedroom homes on December 16, life changing gifts just in time for Christmas.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, presented the keys to the furnished houses at a handover ceremony at Beresford Street, Admiral Town, in St. Andrew South, under the Government’s Indigent Housing Programme.
Both women were very appreciative and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their new homes.
“I thank you all so much and I wish for you and me a Merry Christmas,” Ms. Whyte said.
Ms. Maxwell also thanked all stakeholders who played a part in ensuring that she received a new home.
The new beneficiaries, their families and community members erupted into cheers and heartfelt celebration as Ms. Whyte and Ms. Maxwell stepped into their new homes.
Mr. McKenzie said the Government remains resolute in providing housing solutions to people in need. “I am proud to be part of a Government that continues to provide for the less fortunate,” he said.
“I am glad that we were able to complete these units and afford both individuals the privilege of spending Christmas in a new home. We not only built these units, but we have gone a step further by furnishing the units, so they have an opportunity of not just a roof over their heads, but we have provided housing solutions in terms of making them comfortable,” he said.
The Minister informed that just under $19 million was spent to construct the units. “We care for the poor and we will stop at no expense to provide suitable, quality and good houses for these people,” he said.
Mr. McKenzie urged the beneficiaries to take care of the units, noting that the Ministry has not received any reports of abuse of units handed over under the programme.
“I am pretty confident that the individuals will take pride in the units, because it is important that it is not just seen as a house, but it is a home, a place of comfort, somewhere you can sit back and relax and give God thanks,” he said.
The Minister further informed that five units have been assigned to the constituency through the efforts of elected representatives, including the Member of Parliament.
Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for the area, Mark Golding, said the homes will transform the lives of the beneficiaries.
“It is a joyous day to see Ellenor and Carmel getting access to these homes. These homes have been well constructed by our local contractor…he knows the lay of the land here, he does excellent work here, always on time and within budget,” Mr. Golding said.
He recalled the first time he met Ellenor and committed to improving her living condition.
BY: CHRIS PATTERSON
