"Alone we can do so little; together we can so much."- A truism most profoundly evidenced at the groundbreaking ceremony, held on May 20th, for Unions Acres; the NHT’s newest development in Irwin, St. James. The development which is expected to provide 144 two-bedroom units to civil servants is the successful outcome of a series of negotiations between the Jamaica Civil Service Housing Company Limited (JCSHCL), Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) and the Government of Jamaica (GOJ).
Highlighting the NHT's importance to the government's thrust for housing, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in delivering his keynote address, revealed that the NHT would be supporting the government's housing plan by providing 43,000 of the 70,000 solutions the government had committed to bringing to the market.
While congratulating the NHT's board and executive leadership, Prime Minister Holness expressed his confidence in the project.
“I want to commend the chairman and the board for the exercise of good oversight and governance. I want to commend the management for fulfilling the good governance and policy directives…I have no doubt that this estate here today will stand the test of time,” said Mr. Holness
In thanking the NHT, Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament, St. James East Central, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, highlighted that the development would significantly add to the constituency's housing stock.
For his part, NHT Board Chairman Lennox Channer, highlighted that Unions Acres would represent new beginnings for its future residents.
"Today we are watering the seeds of hope for many Jamaican families. When completed, these housing solutions will not just satisfy a family's need for shelter, it will create the opportunity to set down roots and build a lasting legacy," said Mr. Channer.
The organisation's history within the parish dates back to the 1970s with the development of projects such as Pitfour, Farm Heights among others. St. James is also home to two of the NHT’S largest developments: Cornwall Courts and The Estuary. Residents of St. James can anticipate a further 2,101 housing solutions in Spot Valley, Adelphi and Barrett Hall to be delivered over the next 2 years.
The handing over of units is slated to commence by March 2023.