How the NHT can deliver on its housing promise
Dear Editor,
On a quiet morning in Spanish Town, David Walker, a construction worker, reflected on his 15 years of contributions to the National Housing Trust (NHT). Despite his unwavering dedication, he still rents a two-bedroom house with his wife and three children. His hope for an NHT home feels more like a mirage. “Massa God nah sleep,” he muttered to himself, clinging to the belief that justice will eventually prevail.
Walker’s plight mirrors the frustration of thousands of Jamaicans. The NHT, designed to provide affordable housing, continues to under-deliver despite generating a surplus of $21.8 billion for the financial year 2023/2024. With only 0.18 per cent of houses completed annually for the employed labour force, it’s clear that new, transformative solutions are overdue.
Below I present fresh and practical ideas for the NHT to increase housing output and accessibility.
1) Community land trusts (CLTs): A bold departure from traditional ownership models, Community land trusts (CLTs) involve local communities holding land collectively while individuals own or lease homes on that land. This structure keeps land costs low, ensuring perpetual affordability.
For example, Burlington, Vermont, USA uses CLTs to provide affordable housing while preventing speculative property flipping. Implementing CLTs in Jamaica could help stabilise housing costs, particularly in urban hot spots like Kingston and Montego Bay.
2) Green mortgage incentives: The NHT can introduce green mortgage programmes that reward contributors for choosing ecofriendly housing options. These could include interest rate discounts for homes with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, or energy-efficient designs.
Similar programmes in Germany and Canada have proven successful, reducing utility costs for homeowners while advancing national environmental goals. Such a model could complement Jamaica’s focus on renewable energy, especially as energy costs remain high.
3) Land reclamation and vertical housing development: In densely populated urban areas, land scarcity limits housing projects. The NHT could explore land reclamation projects, transforming underutilised spaces like old warehouses, abandoned lots, or industrial zones into housing hubs.
Simultaneously, the NHT could prioritise vertical housing development, constructing high-rise apartments equipped with modern amenities. Cities like Singapore and Hong Kong excel in vertical housing, maximising limited land resources to house millions.
4) Accelerated construction through artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics: The NHT can leverage artificial intelligence and robotics to streamline housing construction. AI tools can optimise building designs, predict material needs, and minimise waste. Robotics, meanwhile, can expedite repetitive construction tasks, thereby reducing labour costs.
Companies like ICON in the United States are already using AI-driven 3D printing to construct homes within days. If adopted in Jamaica, this approach could revolutionise affordable housing.
5) A nationwide housing fund for low-income earners: Many Jamaicans struggle to qualify for NHT loans due to income constraints; therefore, the NHT could establish a Nationwide Housing Fund in partnership with private corporations, Diaspora organisations, and international aid agencies.
This fund would offer zero-interest loans or grants to low-income earners, with flexible repayment terms. A similar model in Mexico has helped millions of workers secure homes despite financial hardships.
6) Housing Innovation Accelerator: The NHT could establish a Housing Innovation Accelerator, inviting start-ups, non-governmental organisations, and universities to propose groundbreaking housing solutions. Participants could receive funding and technical support to pilot their ideas, fostering a culture of creativity in addressing the housing crisis.
Similar accelerators in Singapore and South Africa have introduced revolutionary housing technologies and designs. Jamaica could benefit from a local version emphasising cultural and environmental considerations.
The NHT was founded to serve the Jamaican people, but its current trajectory risks betraying that mission. By adopting new strategies like community land trusts, green mortgage incentives, and AI-driven construction, the NHT can fulfil its promise of affordable housing.
As we continue to hope for a brighter future, let us remember that housing is not merely about shelter, it is about dignity, security, and opportunity. With bold leadership and innovative solutions, the NHT can ensure that every Jamaican has a place to call home.
Janiel McEwan
janielmcewan17@gmail.com
