The construction industry in Jamaica is booming and there are housing projects going up everywhere.

Some say this is an indication that the economy is growing and that Jamaica is poised to be the next Singapore.

Many of these housing units are well beyond the reach of most Jamaicans. With an income per capita of US$6,000 per annum, it is unlikely that even the middle- and professional classes can afford a house in the J$60 million to US$2 million brackets.

Who is serving hard-working Jamaicans looking to own an affordable home? One developer talking with Our Today said there is little return on affordable homes and that the real money is in building homes for returning residents, pension funds and people looking for rental income.

Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke has continually pointed to the lack of low- to middle-income housing in Jamaica and has called on developers to step up and meet the needs of the people. He went on a tour to the Dominican Republic to study how that country has made a success of affordable housing and has spoken about his findings and what Jamaica can take away from it.

Young people starting out, need to be in a position whereby they can afford their homes and centre their lives.

It is impossible for them to get a foot on the property ladder in Jamaica if you are asking them to service J$60 million-plus mortgages. Sure, a dancehall star, athlete, singer or entertainer who broke through, but not a hard-working Jamaican professional who goes to work every day and puts in a shift.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has made the provision of affordable housing a major goal of his administration. He has declared that his government will deliver 70,000 housing solutions during this current term.

Speaking on this issue Holness said: “While some of the units will be sold for J$15 million and above we are also going to ensure that there are houses below $15 million and as low as $3 million.”

“That is how we are planning to create this housing revolution. We are going to build housing solutions that anyone who wants a house in Jamaica, should be able to get one,” Holness added.

So can any developer provide this kind of low- and middle-income housing effectively?

Michael Lee-Chin’s Portland Holdings has seen the need and is committed to providing a  solution.

Our Today understands that Portland Holdings has acquired lands in Jamaica to provide affordable housing solutions with construction expected to begin this year.  At this time due diligence is underway

This will be a phased project with environmental impact studies now taking place.