The greenfield development, being undertaken by the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), will provide 140 two-bedroom, one-bathroom houses and 197 serviced residential lots, together with the roads, drainage, water, wastewater, electrical and other infrastructure required for a planned residential community.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the project forms part of the Government’s target to deliver 70,000 new housing solutions, while acknowledging that demand remains significantly higher.

“We are simply not building enough houses at pace and at scale and that is why we have set a target to build 70,000 new houses,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that the 70,000 target is being pursued against an estimated housing demand of approximately 150,000 units, particularly at the lower-income level.

“So, we have another 80,000 houses to come. We have the Greater Innswood Master Plan and once that is complete, it will go into the pool for the next set of houses that we intend to build”, the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Holness also pointed to the financial turnaround at the HAJ, noting that profits generated by the public entity are being reinvested in housing and supporting infrastructure to expand its capacity to undertake additional developments.

He explained that this reinvestment is helping to finance critical infrastructure, including wastewater capacity, that will support not only Luana Gardens Phase 4 but adjoining developments.

The project is also benefiting from private-sector financing, demonstrating the role of partnerships between public entities and financial institutions in increasing the scale and pace of housing delivery.

The construction contract, valued at approximately $3.027 billion, has been awarded to Chin’s Equipment Rental & Construction Limited. Cabinet approved the contract award on February 9, 2026.

The 140 houses will each measure approximately 678 square feet and will be constructed on lots averaging approximately 4,305 square feet. The proposed selling price is approximately $25 million.

The 197 serviced lots will average approximately 4,500 square feet, with proposed selling prices starting at approximately $7 million.

A key component of the project is the expansion of wastewater treatment capacity.

The existing sewage treatment plant will be upgraded to serve Luana Gardens Phase 4 and the adjoining development planned by the National Housing Trust (NHT). The upgrade will be jointly funded by the HAJ and NHT and advanced alongside the housing development to meet regulatory, environmental and public-health requirements.

Supporting works will include site development, roads and drainage, water supply, wastewater infrastructure, electrical and utility infrastructure and associated civil works.

The development is expected to strengthen St. Elizabeth’s formal housing stock, create additional pathways to home ownership and generate employment and economic activity during construction.

The post Ground Broken for $3.7-billion Luana Gardens Phase 4 first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

The newly formed National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) will implement a dedicated drainage project to mitigate severe flooding in St. James. The intervention will be directly guided by an extensive hydrological study currently being conducted under the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project.

According to Minister Morgan, the drainage study is on track to be presented to the Prime Minister by December. He clarified that while the assessment is being executed under the umbrella of the perimeter road project, the resulting drainage infrastructure works will be independently managed and implemented by NaRRA.

“We recognize the immense hardship that flooding causes for both residents and businesses across St. James. Through NaRRA, we are actively working toward lasting solutions. This drainage study is a critical step in ensuring that our physical interventions are grounded in rigorous technical assessments,” Minister Morgan stated.

The Minister emphasized that resilient drainage systems must remain central to national infrastructure planning, particularly in areas where recurrent flooding threatens homes, disrupts structural access, and severely degrades roadways. He noted that the study’s findings will provide an analytical blueprint for the specific engineering works required to resolve these localized challenges.

“Our immediate focus is on reducing vulnerability within these communities and enhancing their capacity to withstand severe weather events. To achieve that, we must fully diagnose the root causes of the drainage failures and ensure that our engineered responses directly solve them,” he added.

Minister Morgan further observed that the Government’s multi-billion-dollar investments in roads and public assets must be paired with modern water management systems to protect both the structural integrity of the infrastructure and the citizens who rely on it daily.

He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to addressing the flooding crisis in St. James through a highly coordinated, multi-agency approach, with NaRRA anchoring the development of a more resilient parish.

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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, provided the update at the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday September 16, 2026.

The investment in the 37 main roads, initially estimated at $14.11 billion, is being expanded by a further $11.7 billion to undertake three major projects: Harbour View to Windward Road/Mountain View; Washington Boulevard/Six Miles to Molynes Road, including an overpass; and the Dunrobin Avenue Extension from Constant Spring to East Kings House Road, which will also include an overpass.

Minister Morgan said of the 37 main roads, eight are scheduled to start between September and November 2026, 11 between January and March 2027, and the remaining 18 between April and May 2027.

Since works began in March 2025, the Government has spent $11.22 billion on local and community roads, with 110 roads fully paved and another 225 currently being paved as the national road improvement programme advances.

CAPEX Programme Moving Ahead

Minister Morgan also informed the press briefing that work is also advancing on the Government’s wider Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programme with Grange Lane completed and works underway on the Braeton/Hellshire Main Road, from Naggo Head to Hellshire.

Major works are also planned for Arthur Wint Drive and Camp Road, with the Government carefully coordinating the timing of these projects alongside Tom Redcam Avenue and Oxford Road to minimise traffic disruption.

He said the sequencing of the projects is particularly important given the need to maintain uninterrupted access to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

“If anything should happen and a child is delayed going to Bustamante Hospital by one minute by a tractor, it won’t be the tractor that gets the blame. It will be the Minister of Works. We are being very cautious and we have asked the NWA for a plan as to how we are going to keep the hospital open, keep access to the hospital, while at the same time do a major upgrade on Arthur Wint (Drive)”, he stated

Over the next three years, the roadworks programme is expected to target several critical corridors in Kingston and St Andrew, including Harbour View to Mountain View, South Camp Road, Arthur Wint Drive, Tom Redcam Avenue, Oxford Road, Molynes Road, East Kings House Road and Lady Musgrave Road.

The Minister also announced that work is progressing on the proposed new Portmore access via Mandela Highway, which is to be submitted to the Public Investment Management System (PIMS).

The combined programme represents a sustained investment in Jamaica’s road infrastructure, with works targeting local and community roads while upgrading major transportation corridors critical to mobility, connectivity and economic activity across the country.

The post Government Advances 403 Roads Under 10 SPARK Work Orders first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

The newly formed National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) will implement a dedicated drainage project to mitigate severe flooding in St. James. The intervention will be directly guided by an extensive hydrological study currently being conducted under the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project.

According to Minister Morgan, the drainage study is on track to be presented to the Prime Minister by December. He clarified that while the assessment is being executed under the umbrella of the perimeter road project, the resulting drainage infrastructure works will be independently managed and implemented by NaRRA.

“We recognize the immense hardship that flooding causes for both residents and businesses across St. James. Through NaRRA, we are actively working toward lasting solutions. This drainage study is a critical step in ensuring that our physical interventions are grounded in rigorous technical assessments,” Minister Morgan stated.

The Minister emphasized that resilient drainage systems must remain central to national infrastructure planning, particularly in areas where recurrent flooding threatens homes, disrupts structural access, and severely degrades roadways. He noted that the study’s findings will provide an analytical blueprint for the specific engineering works required to resolve these localized challenges.

“Our immediate focus is on reducing vulnerability within these communities and enhancing their capacity to withstand severe weather events. To achieve that, we must fully diagnose the root causes of the drainage failures and ensure that our engineered responses directly solve them,” he added.

Minister Morgan further observed that the Government’s multi-billion-dollar investments in roads and public assets must be paired with modern water management systems to protect both the structural integrity of the infrastructure and the citizens who rely on it daily.

He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to addressing the flooding crisis in St. James through a highly coordinated, multi-agency approach, with NaRRA anchoring the development of a more resilient parish.

The post Works Minister Announces Hydrological Study Being Conducted Under the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project. first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

Of the total, 143 housing solutions are earmarked for Westmoreland and 125 for St. Elizabeth. The housing solutions include units provided through the National Housing Trust (NHT), as well as housing solutions provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The combined value of the contracts is J$1.052 billion, representing a significant investment in the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide safe and secure accommodation for eligible families whose homes were impacted by the hurricane.

Speaking at the Contract Signing Ceremony at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development on Thursday, September 3, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Arlene Williams in her opening remarks, noted that “This is a major undertaking, and it requires urgency, coordination and accountability. It also requires strong partnerships among Government, Members of Parliament, contractors, technical teams and all the stakeholders who will help to move these solutions from plans on paper to homes for the people who need them.”

Minister with Responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Honourable Robert Montague, said the initiative is ultimately about restoring safety and stability to families displaced by the hurricane.

“Today is not only about signing contracts. It is about giving hope to the families who are affected by the hurricane. At the end of today, the success will be measured when a child has somewhere safe to lay their head and to do their studies rather than in a classroom or in a hurricane shelter,” Minister Montague said.

Minister Montague explained that the decision to utilise semi-permanent housing solutions was driven by the need to provide shelter to affected families as quickly as possible, while the Government continues to consider other housing options as part of the wider recovery effort.

“We really want to ensure that our people move into these semi-permanent homes,” he said, noting that the programme remains focused on addressing the immediate housing needs of families impacted by the hurricane.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of accountability in the implementation of the programme. He noted that prospective beneficiaries were verified by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, with additional checks undertaken to confirm the circumstances of affected households.

The works under the contracts include the excavation of foundations and footings; construction of bases and associated external works; installation of sewage and water distribution systems; transportation and installation of the housing units; and internal wall partitioning and installation of fittings and fixtures.

Minister Montague underscored that, with the contracts now signed, the focus shifts to implementation and delivery.

He further disclosed that another lot is currently out for procurement to support housing recovery efforts in Hanover, St. James and Trelawny, as the Government continues to implement the wider programme.

The Shelter Recovery Programme was established as part of the Government’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa to coordinate and deliver semi-permanent housing solutions to eligible families affected by the hurricane.

The post Government Signs Contracts for Delivery of Semi-Permanent Homes for Hurricane-Affected Families first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

Approximately J$365 million has been programmed for bus-route works under the Ministry’s 2026/2027 recurrent maintenance programme for secondary roads. The interventions will be implemented across the western, southern, southeastern and northeastern regions and will focus on corridors that are important to the daily movement of commuters, students, workers and goods.

Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, said the programme is intended to provide practical and visible relief on heavily travelled routes. “Bus routes carry the daily life of our communities. When these roads deteriorate, the impact is felt by bus and taxi operators, passengers, private motorists, businesses and families alike. Over the next two months, we will move deliberately to improve a number of these corridors and make travel safer, smoother and more reliable,” Minister Morgan said.

Among the corridors programmed for attention are:

• Western Jamaica: Shrewsbury Drive; Marldon-Maroon Town; Seaford Town; and Falmouth-Springvale, including Bounty Hall-Wakefield.
• Southern Jamaica: selected Clarendon routes including Freetown to Alley, Foga Road, Chapelton Road and Goshen-Thompson Town,
• Southeastern Jamaica: Guava Ridge-Mavis Bank Square, Lawrence Tavern-Glengoffe, Port Morant-Bath, Morant Bay-Wilmington and selected routes in northwestern St. Catherine.
• Northeastern Jamaica: Bamboo-Brown’s Town, Gayle-Guys Hill, Martins-Islington and selected school and community bus corridors across Portland.

The works will include localised pavement rehabilitation, surface repairs and treatment of failed sections, together with drainage-related improvements where required. The precise treatment will be determined by the condition of each corridor.

The National Works Agency (NWA) will coordinate the implementation of the programme. Works will be sequenced to reduce disruption, and motorists are being asked to observe traffic-management measures and exercise caution in active work zones. The schedule for individual corridors may be adjusted to account for weather, site conditions and other operational requirements.

The post Government Invests J$365 Million to Rehabilitate Key Bus Routes Across Jamaica first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

On behalf of the Government, the Ministry and our implementing agencies, I extend sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased. We share their grief at this profoundly difficult time.

We deeply regret this incident. A tragedy of this nature should never occur on any of our worksites. No deadline, project target or operational consideration is more important than the safety and life of a worker.

I have directed that a thorough investigation be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), is required to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities and ensure that the facts are established promptly and transparently.

The protection of every person working on our infrastructure projects is non-negotiable. We remain resolute in our commitment of ensuring the safety of every worker.

The post Statement by Hon. Robert Morgan Regarding the Fatal Incident on the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

Among the latest beneficiaries is Ms. Pauline Johnson, who received a new three-bedroom home on August 14, 2026, from Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. Ms. Johnson, who lives with a disability following a stroke, lost her previous home in a fire.

Ms. Nikesha Gohagen of St. Ann was also selected for assistance based on her housing circumstances and the responsibility of caring for her children in less-than-ideal living conditions.

Speaking at Ms. Johnson’s handing-over ceremony, Prime Minister Holness said the latest handovers demonstrate the NSHP’s dual commitment, helping Jamaicans in genuine need while ensuring that public resources are delivered through a transparent, lawful and accountable process.

The Prime Minister added that the strong community support for the beneficiary reflected public confidence in a programme designed to assist Jamaicans with genuine housing needs.

“Were it a programme where people who didn’t need it were benefitting, then there would be no confidence in that programme”, the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that the integrity of the NSHP begins with the selection of beneficiaries, noting that applicants undergo social investigations, verification of their circumstances, community checks and assessment of the land on which the house is to be constructed.

The Prime Minister also made clear that Government will not compromise on the legality of land used for NSHP construction.

“If we are building a house, we are not building on captured land. We take the time to find out whose land it is”, he stated.

Dr. Holness urged Jamaicans occupying land without formal documentation to regularise their tenure and secure legal ownership, while stressing that the country’s development must balance legality with fairness.

“Jamaica can’t develop with informality, but Jamaica cannot develop with unfairness as well”, Dr. Holness said.

He added that the Government’s approach is to expand access to housing and land while ensuring that development remains lawful, sustainable and fair.

Established in 2018 under the Government’s Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) initiative, the NSHP has expanded to all 14 parishes, with beneficiary selection guided by a rigorous, merit-based process designed to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.

To date, approximately 349 houses have been completed under the NSHP, with a further 65 housing solutions at various stages of development. Across the programme, more than 1,600 Jamaicans have benefited from safe and secure housing in 57 constituencies.

The post NSHP hands over new homes to 2 St. Ann Beneficiaries first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement yesterday (August 4, 2026), while handing over a newly constructed NSHP home to beneficiary Andrea Burke, in Central Kingston.

The Prime Minister said the modular units, first introduced as part of the Hurricane Melissa recovery effort, have shown significant promise and could become another option for providing safe, dignified housing to vulnerable Jamaicans.

“These units are fairly well built. They are compact, but when two are combined they provide a footprint comparable to a small studio unit. We are now exploring how they can be used as part of our broader shelter programme”, he said.

The Prime Minister explained that the Government will conduct extensive testing before deciding on their wider deployment.

“We want to see how long they last, how well they regulate heat, how secure they are and, most importantly, hear from the people who live in them about their comfort and overall experience. If they pass the test, we will begin using them right across the island”, he noted.

Prime Minister Holness said the Government also intends to improve on the design over time.

“We may very well develop our own innovations to make them even stronger and better suited to Jamaica’s conditions. These pre-built, containerized housing solutions could provide a faster, more orderly and more affordable way of delivering housing to people who need it most”, he stated.

Dr. Holness emphasised however, that the modular units will complement, not replace the existing homes constructed under the NSHP.

In receiving the keys to her new house, an emotional Andrea Burke thanked Prime Minister Holness and the Government for giving her a place to call home.

“One of my dreams has come true. I thank God, Prime Minister Holness and the Government for making homeownership possible. I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” she said.

The NSHP has now delivered 349 housing solutions, providing safe and dignified homes for more than 1,600 Jamaicans across 57 constituencies. Approximately 65 additional housing solutions are in various stages of construction.

The post Government to Expand Range of Housing Solutions under NSHP first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).