Member of Parliament for St James Southern, Homer Davis, is calling on the National Land Agency of Jamaica and the Housing Agency of Jamaica to ramp up land titling and distribution in his constituency.

Davis, who was making his contribution to the State of Constituency Debate 2023, made the call amid claims that residents, particularly in the communities of Copperwood and Red Ground, do not have land titles that will give them legitimacy to occupy the lands they live on.

“This concern is not unique to any one constituency. This is an issue that we are all faced with. St James Southern consists predominately of families from generations coming down. However, there is a great issue as it relates to proof of ownership of lands,” said Davis.

He noted that the titles would help many occupiers of these lands who seek to use it as an asset to improve their lives.

Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke earlier this year allocated J$160 million for the Government’s Electronic Land Titling project in the 2023/24 Estimates of Expenditure. The project, which started in April 2021, aims to improve the efficiency of the land registration process and issue legally binding proof of title.

Increase constituency budget for housing

The MP also called for an increase in the allocation for the housing component of the Constituency Development Fund, due to increasing financial challenges among the most vulnerable.

Davis, however, pointed out that through the New Social Housing Programme, the prime minister has improved the housing condition of the country’s poor and disadvantaged population by providing quality, affordable, and sustainable housing. He added that within his constituency, two houses have been approved for construction, and another five are awaiting approval.

However, he said the issue of affordable housing for some of our most vulnerable constituents continues to be a challenge.

The New Social Housing Programme was initiated in 2018 by the prime minister and is overseen by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

As of September 8, 157 housing units or 375 rooms have been completed under the programme.