JAMAICA | PNP Demands Transparency on NHT Contracts with Developers

KINGSTON, Jamaica. January 17, 2024: The People's National Party (PNP) is urging the Government to provide clear answers to the mounting questions surrounding contracts between the National Housing Trust (NHT) and several developers across the island.

In a statement , the Junior Shadow Minister on Housing and Sustainable Living, Kevar Bennett says he has received information regarding challenges faced by the NHT in its dealings with certain developers contracted to construct houses for the institution. Mr. Bennett said "The most recent of such cases was reported in the Gleaner on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Bennet expressed concern that "This matter has reached the court for adjudication. However, despite a decision being reached between the court and the parties involved, the public remains uninformed." He further emphasized, "As a public institution, the NHT expends funds contributed by taxpayers who have a right to be kept informed. I am calling upon the Most Hon. Prime Minister, who oversees the NHT, to disclose the status of cases involving Dexim Holdings Ltd and any other developers encountering issues with the NHT."

The Junior Shadow Minister on Housing is troubled by the specific case with Dexim Holding, where a contract for the construction of 200 houses, initially priced at $12.5 million each, is now subject to a demand for $18.5 million per unit. He expressed, "This discrepancy is unacceptable and contributes to the ongoing challenge of obtaining affordable housing for essential groups such as the police, young professionals, civil servants, nurses, teachers, and persons with disabilities."

Benett has also raised additional concerns about other NHT projects, citing the delayed completion of the NHT office in May Pen, Clarendon. "When will this building be completed? he questioned and Who currently operates the office spaces occupied by the NHT in May Pen?

Is it the same contractor responsible for building the NHT office in May Pen?,"he asked.

Mr. Bennett emphasized that the Prime Minister holds a fiduciary responsibility to the people of Jamaica through his portfolio oversight of the NHT and has clled  on Prime Minister Holness to provide the nation with nothing but the unadulterated truth regarding these NHT contracts with developers."

-30