Container home construction for hurricane-affected families under way in Trelawny, Hanover

The construction of container homes for families affected by Hurricane Melissa is now under way in Trelawny and Hanover as part of the Government’s efforts to deliver housing solutions under its recovery programme.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Robert Montague, says challenges affecting the project have been addressed, enabling contractors to advance work on the housing solutions.

He was speaking to journalists during visits to sites in Bunkers Hill, Trelawny, and Castle Hyde, Hanover on October 20.

While in Bunkers Hill, Montague noted that approximately eight foundations were being constructed to support double-unit homes for families requiring additional living space.

“The contractors and the Ministry [were] having some issues. But we, I believe, have worked out those issues and work has started in earnest,” he informed.

Montague further noted that the project, which includes the provision of approximately 2,700 container homes across the island, is being implemented with beneficiaries’ future needs in mind.

“We are building them so persons can expand in the future. We are putting in a sewage system for some of the units, depending on their location. They will also get a solar generator, while others will be connected to the grid,” he indicated.

The Minister also stated that water tanks will be provided where necessary, while some units supplied by the Chinese Government will come with basic furnishings.

Montague noted that the project’s implementation has been slower than intended, as the Government must adhere to procurement and accountability procedures to ensure the proper use of public and donated funds.

He pointed out that the initiative has also been affected by challenges associated with the implementation of a new housing programme, as well as adverse weather conditions.

Montague stated, however, that contractors have assured the Government that the necessary arrangements are now in place to advance construction activities.

At the Castle Hyde site, Montague reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that families displaced by Hurricane Melissa receive their units as quickly as possible.

The site will be the future home of Leonard Saddler, his brother and their ailing mother, who lost their home during Hurricane Melissa.

“We have been here in the field ensuring that the work starts and that the work is sped up, because we need people like Leonard to be in a good place,” the Minister said.

He further underscored the Government’s commitment to delivering homes while ensuring value for money.

State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, welcomed the construction of the housing unit in Bunkers Hill.

The site will be the future home of Ryan Morgan and his three children, who are set to receive a double-unit housing solution after their home was destroyed by the hurricane.

“Trelawny is one of the parishes that was hardest hit by Melissa… and so we have people still here waiting for housing solutions and interventions. So, this being the start of [construction of] the containerised units, I am very happy that people will be benefiting from it,” Hamilton said.

She remains optimistic that future phases of the project will provide much-needed assistance to other affected families in the constituency.

- JIS News

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