HAJ: Parnassus housing development back on track for Trelawny

WESTERN BUREAU:

The original plan announced by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness to construct 720 houses on 148 acres of former sugar cane lands in Parnassus, near Clark’s Town in Trelawny, has been revised to include more than 100 additional units.

Norman Brown, chairman of the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) – the entity overseeing the housing project primarily intended for tourism workers – told The Gleaner that the groundbreaking is expected to take place this year.

“The number of houses to be constructed has moved from the 720 announced by the prime minister to 835,” said Brown. “Several factors have contributed to the increase, especially the issue with the subdivision plan regarding the size of the lots.”

According to Brown, a review of the subdivision revealed that some lots required regularisation. By addressing these discrepancies – where lot sizes ranged from under 5,000 to over 5,000 square feet – the HAJ was able to free up additional space for more housing units.

“That problem has been sorted out and the plans have now been approved by the municipality (the Trelawny Municipal Corporation),” said Brown. “All is in place, but the procurement process, which deals with government projects, is frustrating, so we have to wait on the system. I am confident that we are going to break ground this year. “

Informal settlements

Brown also highlighted the urgency of moving forward with the construction, noting that squatters have begun occupying parts of the property.

“We have to start building before people start to establish informal settlements around the area,” said the HAJ chairman, adding that the proposed homes will include one- and two-bedroom units, with the option for future expansion by the homeowners.

Addressing concerns about supporting infrastructure, Brown stated that the HAJ is collaborating with government and private-sector partners to include social amenities such as a health clinic, supermarket, and schools in the development plan.

Linvern Wright, president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, acknowledged the need for additional educational facilities to support the Parnassus development, but suggested a more cost-effective solution.

“What I recommend is that they expand the high school and the primary schools in Clark’s Town,” he said, referring to Cedric Titus High and Clark’s Town Primary. “It would be a much cheaper proposal and would provide the additional spaces required.”

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