NHT to procure first tranche of container housing units
/ Our Today
administrator
The National Housing Trust (NHT) is in the process of procuring the first 2,500 semi-permanent housing units under the rapid deployment housing initiative.
Dwayne Berbick, NHT assistant general manager for corporate communications and public affairs, addressing a special press briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) noted that the NHT reviewed the available options on the market and selected expanded polystyrene (EPS) prefabricated units, which meet the trust’s technical specifications for building codes, construction, and safety.
The units include a steel frame supported by insulated panels that help with cooling, reduce heat accumulation, and provide resistance to earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes.
“These lend themselves to rapid on-site assembly and this was one of the key considerations that we looked at. Another key factor in terms of what we looked at in determining the units was affordability,” Berbick said.
The units will comprise two-bedroom models, approximately 400 square feet, complete with bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Each unit comes with windows for ventilation, two metal doors, and pre-wiring that allows for easy electrical installation with minimal additional work.
Container homes were announced as a temporary solution by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who earlier this month explained that the trust will procure 5,000 pre-built container homes for swift rollout across the island to address urgent housing needs following Hurricane Melissa.
Berbick noted that the NHT is focusing on setting up these units on lands already owned by the NHT, particularly in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover.
These include locations where housing developments were previously planned and where some infrastructure, such as sewerage and water systems, may already exist.
The trust is also examining other NHT-owned lands and exploring the acquisition of additional properties within the affected belt to support the rollout.
“The NHT will make sure that the concrete foundations are in place, so installation is easier for the customer once they have acquired the unit,” he said.
Berbick also stressed that while some units will be sold to individuals who meet the NHT’s regular criteria, the initiative will not be limited to NHT contributors.
The trust is collaborating with other government agencies, including those involved in social housing, to ensure that units are allocated directly to the most vulnerable individuals impacted by the hurricane.
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