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For the second time in two years, a family in St Elizabeth has benefited from free housing under the Government's through the Indigent Housing Programme.

Last Friday, the Farquharsons, from Brompton, St Elizabeth, were given the keys to a $6.7 million unit by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie.

Six houses have been constructed in St Elizabeth under the programme since 2016, and close to $100 million of indigent housing support has been provided to persons in the parish, McKenzie said.

The new unit, constructed for the Farquharsons boasts modern conveniences, including a water harvesting system to ensure the family has access to stored water during dry periods. Additionally, the house was fully outfitted with furniture, fixtures, and appliances, easing the burdens of a family that had long endured substandard living conditions.

In June 2023, Shawya Farquharson--a mother of three who had been living in a dilapidated two-room structure--received a one-bedroom unit through the Indigent Housing Programme. That house was constructed at a cost of $1.8 million, and consisted of a kitchenette, bathroom, living area and front porch.

Following the handover of the unit to Farquharson in 2023, it was observed that her adult son and his family were still living in an equally derelict structure.

In response, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development committed to constructing an additional unit, which has since been completed and presented to the family.

"A caring Government has responded... [and] I am proud. I want to encourage the family to take care of your investment by ensuring that you maintain the quality of it," McKenzie said at the handover.

The minister said "this Administration, since 2016, specifically identified indigent housing as a means of responding in a meaningful way to the indigent population across the country."

"St Elizabeth, since we have started, have seen investment of close to $100 million of indigent housing support; over six units have been constructed in this parish in total," the Minister added.

Mayor of Black River Richard Solomon praised the collaborative effort that made the housing project possible. He commended the efforts of McKenzie, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, Floyd Green, and the Municipal Corporation team, noting that the project was completed on time, to satisfaction, and with well-utilised resources.

"There's no greater pride than when one can open the door [to their own home] with their own key; and this is possible today because of our government," Solomon said.

For his part, Green, commended the programme's focus on expanding housing access while enhancing the quality, safety, and dignity of the units provided.

"We have a government that manages the resources of the country well and can deal with crises while still lifting up the poor," Green said.