PM defends NHT as he hands over keys to Ruthven complex
The National Housing Trust (NHT) has completed phase one of the Ruthven Towers apartment complex in St Andrew. The eight-storey development, situated on three acres of land at 1-3 Ruthven Road, comprises 86 units consisting of 72 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom apartments. Six of these have been reserved for public-sector employees.
The complex will also comprise a storm-water drainage system, fire hydrants, underground and roof potable water storage tanks with distribution network, and a standby generator for common areas lighting and elevators, among other amenities and features. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has portfolio responsibility for the NHT, presented keys to several of the successful applicants during a handover ceremony at the complex on Wednesday. He noted that the entity received 389 applications between November 12 and 16, 2021, from which 80 eligible contributors were selected.
He indicated that 58 per cent of those selected were women, with 66 per cent falling within the age range 25 to 40. He also pointed out that all the recipients were NHT contributors.
“I make this point because it is important that we acknowledge that the NHT contributors come from all walks of life in our society,” he stated. “Further, the Ruthven development represents less than one per cent of the projects currently being undertaken by the NHT, as all other projects are … being developed to cater to affordable housing solutions.”
Holness said this was being emphasised as there was an inaccurate impression given that the NHT is only focusing on projects like Ruthven Towers.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. This development is only a small part of the number of units that we have brought to market,” he said. Holness said the Government’s duty is to facilitate and create the opportunities “so that all Jamaicans from all walks of life from all income brackets can achieve their aspirations [of home ownership]”.
“There should be no reason why someone who can afford a $40-million home should not get the opportunity to buy his $40-million home… just as long as you are ensuring that the man who only can afford his $8-million home… gets it too,” he said.