Balancing the conversation on housing

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In a recent commentary published in The Gleaner titled, “Developers Can Deliver Affordable Homes”, Dr. Christopher Burgess presents a passionate argument for improving Jamaica’s housing landscape by prioritising access and improving policies for developers.

While his article has sparked meaningful conversation, certain misaligned points jumped out at me and as a Jamaican with an interest in housing who wants to see the housing issues within our country improved, I feel compelled to highlight a few issues with his argument.

Let me begin by saying the challenges in the housing sector are neither new nor simple; they stem from complex land use issues, infrastructure bottlenecks, and the shifting socio-economic needs of the Jamaican population.

Nonetheless, industry players, including the NHT, continue to make progress despite these hurdles by leveraging strategic partnerships, expanding financing options, and investing in sustainable communities.

Dr. Burgess rightly highlights that developers are essential for expanding Jamaica’s housing stock. From what I have observed, from several media articles and my own research the NHT, a government entity, has taken deliberate steps to engage private developers through public-private partnerships, access to financing, and collaboration and access to lands in its land banks to build affordable housing to meet the needs of Jamaicans. Why?

Because private developments typically target middle- to high-income brackets unless they receive significant subsidies. The article implies that affordability can be achieved by just opening the land market to developers. This in my opinion, is misguided. Land divestment must be conducted transparently and strategically, with the best interests of the Jamaican people in mind.

Dr Burgess outlined that increasing the loan limit from $7.5 million to $9 million increases the prices of housing.

Presenting the idea of the NHT’s loan limit increases without the appropriate context is disingenuous. In addition to increasing loan limits, the NHT also invests heavily in subsidies like low interest rates, grants and other financing options to enable its contributors. Closing the affordability gap requires a comprehensive approach that includes thoughtful planning, policy coordination, and shared responsibilities across various sectors.

One critical point raised by Dr. Burgess that deserves attention are the delays in infrastructure approvals. The process could certainly be improved with greater alignment across government bodies. However, I have also witnessed the efforts by these institutions to improve their services and I must commend both the private and public bodies for their efforts.

Dr. Burgess has raised a few valid points, however the discussion about Jamaica’s housing future must be rooted in facts, collaboration, and a clear understanding of the complexities involved in the system. This cannot be a blame game. Jamaica’s housing challenge is real, and it necessitates a united, fact-based approach to find solutions.

MISS CONCERNED