The Government is moving to expand the range of housing solutions available under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), with modular, containerized housing units now being evaluated for wider use across Jamaica.

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.