More than J$300 million has been spent on social programmes in Manchester by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

Speaking at a ceremony to break ground for an indigent house in Kendal in the parish, on August 2, Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie said four water shops have been built in the parish, with two of them situated in Manchester North Western, and more than J$70 million invested in summer employment programmes for young people.

“We have not only built water shops but we have also repaired roads. We have spent more money in the parish on building new infrastructure and carrying out repairs at the infirmary, than we have spent in any other parish,” McKenzie said.

He told the gathering that the ministry recently provided funds for upgrading the Mandeville tax office and to strengthen the capacity of the Manchester Municipal Corporation to generate more revenue, adding that discussions are taking place for a decision to upgrade the Mandeville market or to erect a new one.

Both the mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Donovan Mitchell and member of parliament for Manchester Central, Rhoda Moy Crawford, welcomed the construction of the unit for the beneficiary, Nadine Lawrence.

Housing difficulties

In 2017, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development reintroduced the Indigent Housing Programme, under its Municipal Social Assistance Programme (MSAP). It is designed to address the housing difficulties faced by the poor and most vulnerable. To date, the ministry has completed at least 60 units islandwide, with work ongoing on additional units.

Three types of solutions have been developed – studio units, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom family units. The houses are made of concrete and feature sloped roofs that enable rainwater harvesting. Basic furnishing is also included.

Applicants for the houses are screened through the poor relief departments of municipal corporations, where an investigation and verification procedure are carried out to establish the need.

Potential beneficiaries must also demonstrate ownership of the property on which the house is to be built, or provide documentation that they are lawfully entitled to tenure on such property.