Prime Minister Andrew Holness has recognised container homes as a cost-effective solution amid plans to address the country’s growing housing problem.

Speaking at the launch of the Kingston Logistics Center (KLC) container homes programme on Wednesday (April 19), Holness said the introduction of the up-cycled homes to the local market is a good business prospect.

However, he noted that while the initiative is a viable option, the greatest challenge would be trying to win over the Jamaican public.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that in working to provide suitable housing solutions, the identification of lands in proximity to infrastructure is one of the greatest challenges.

“If you select land without infrastructure, the cost of the unit is going to go up, so you want to get land that is in proximity to already built infrastructure. So, we don’t really have that many options when it comes to finding lands that are readily and easily used for housing,” he said.

Additionally, he said informal settlements and communities in need of housing upgrades will need “easily deployed solutions in the housing market”.

It is against this background that Prime Minister Holness has welcomed the introduction of container homes to the local housing market.

Holness noted that container housing solutions have advanced significantly over the years, making it an attractive option for home seekers.

In addition, he said the pre-built units can be constructed in a shorter time at affordable rates relative to traditional houses.

“The size of the container home market in 2021 was estimated at $56.85 billion worldwide and it is expected to grow to $87.1 billion by 2029. We see how this is possible because companies that are involved in shipping, architecture, furniture, design and development, they are merging the technology to provide solutions to meet housing demand,” Holness said.

KLC currently offers six options, which include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units ranging from $2.5 million to $12.5 million.

Each container home is sold with dry-wall insulation installed and can be customised with add-on amenities such as windows, doors, balconies and staircases.

Managing Director of KLC, Kisha Williams-Hare, said there are “many possibilities” for using up-cycled containers for the provision of office spaces, storage and even Airbnb accommodations.

In her remarks, KLC Board Chairman, Michal Derfner, said that the units offer a sustainable option.

“Sustainability is not only recycling but also the community [and] how we are doing things differently. This is why we really want to promote this segment in Jamaica,” she said.

KLC is an all-inclusive logistics facility with operations in Jamaica and Panama. The company provides logistics solutions across the Caribbean, including warehousing, distribution, packaging, shipping and exporting of consumer goods.