Build more climate-resilient houses
Published:Tuesday | November 4, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
In light of the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa and the likelihood of stronger hurricanes, building modular houses for people living in flood-prone areas should be considered.
Since Hurricane Katrina, several hurricane-proof units have been used for permanent housing in Louisiana. These can withstand Category 4–5 winds and be repositioned as needed. In the Netherlands, there are amphibious houses that float in floodwaters while remaining securely anchored. Similarly, in Japan, companies such as Muji Hut and Daiwa House have developed modular units that can be quickly disassembled and reassembled for mobile living. Australia, too, has transportable units with detachable utilities.
Modular houses can be constructed with aerodynamic roofing and impact-resistant shutters, and the walls may be reinforced with hurricane-rated composite panels. Further, with the establishment of relocation-ready communities in parishes that are less disaster-prone, owners of the units can temporarily migrate ahead of impending hazards.
We would need to challenge the entrenched belief in Jamaica that board or prefabricated dwellings are for “poor people.” Otherwise, there might be little public buy-in to this proposal and limited uptake of modular units. Moreover, if this parochial mindset persists, I am afraid we will continue to build immovable concrete facilities that will inevitably be flooded and structurally compromised during a disaster.
Mobile homes are not merely stopgaps, but long-term, sustainable housing solutions which may be life-saving and cost-effective.
SHAWNA KAY
WILLIAMS-PINNOCK