3,000 Modular Housing Units to Be Deployed

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says approximately 3,000 modular housing units are expected to be deployed to assist Jamaicans whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

Dr. Holness said the units will primarily benefit residents who remain displaced and do not have the financial means to rebuild on their own.

The Prime Minister was speaking during the opening ceremony for the 2026 Labour Day National Project at the Lewis Town Early Childhood Institution in St. Elizabeth on Monday (May 25).

“The Government promised that we will bring in about 2,500 modular semi-permanent prefabricated housing solutions through the National Housing Trust (NHT). The Government of China has given us some, the Ministry of Housing has purchased some, and I believe it’s the Red Cross that is giving us as well. So, we may get up to about 3,000 units,” he stated.

Dr. Holness indicated that the Government has already identified persons whose homes were completely destroyed during the hurricane.

“We have found the people who their houses were totally destroyed. They don’t have anywhere to live, and they don’t have the income to rebuild. We’re going to rebuild them and give them those houses,” the Prime Minister said.

He explained that the installation of the units requires careful planning and supporting infrastructure.

“My Government is not just going to take the units and come and plop them down anywhere. Whatever units we put down, they must be on a proper base,” Dr. Holness underscored.

The Prime Minister further noted that provisions have also been made for sewage disposal, water access and transportation logistics.

“So, to put all of that together, you’re looking at a median cost… of about $500,000 depending on where it is, it could be less, it could be more,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness addressed concerns regarding the use of donated hurricane recovery funds, noting that approximately $1.4 billion was received in cash contributions following Hurricane Melissa.

He said the Government deliberately chose to utilise the funds for long-term recovery initiatives and projects that could be properly monitored and accounted for.

“Donated funds will be used to purchase building materials. It will be used to purchase things that are tangible, traceable and for which it is easy to account,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

Dr. Holness pointed out that Jamaica is projected to spend approximately $67 billion on hurricane relief and recovery activities.

He further indicated that donated funds will help to support the infrastructure required for the modular housing programme.

“The funding that is donated will be used to support the establishment of the bases because the people are going to get them,” Dr. Holness said.

He also disclosed that a small community is being developed in Westmoreland to accommodate residents who had been staying at the Petersfield High School shelter following Hurricane Melissa.

Dr. Holness thanked members of the diaspora, private-sector organisations and international partners for supporting Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

“I really want to say thanks to them, and [they donated] not just cash, you know; the number of barrels and pallets and containers and all kind of things that were sent here [was] huge,” the Prime Minister stated.