KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has directed the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to accelerate the construction of 100 prefabricated homes in St Elizabeth and install three large community water tanks in Westmoreland, as frustration grows over the pace of Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking at a special press briefing at Jamaica House on Tuesday, October 27, Holness said the housing project would support the voluntary relocation of residents from Parottee, one of the communities severely affected by the Category 5 hurricane in October 2025.
The Prime Minister instructed NaRRA to begin work immediately, stressing that the prefabricated homes must comply with Jamaican building standards.
New Housing for Parottee Families
The 100 homes are expected to be developed in Luana, St Elizabeth, providing an alternative for families living in areas exposed to flooding and other climate-related risks.
The proposed relocation forms part of a wider government initiative to move vulnerable households into safer, properly planned communities.
In September, Holness assured Parottee residents that relocation would be voluntary and that families would not be forcibly removed from their properties.
The Government has also been working with the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) to identify suitable serviced lots and incorporate affected households into existing housing developments.
However, important details remain outstanding, including the construction timetable, the allocation process and the arrangements for families who choose to relocate.
Water Storage for Westmoreland
Alongside the housing programme, Holness has ordered the installation of three large community water tanks in eastern Westmoreland.
NaRRA will coordinate with the relevant public agencies to identify appropriate locations for the storage facilities, which are intended to strengthen water supply in communities affected by hurricane damage.
The initiative follows continuing difficulties with water infrastructure in sections of western Jamaica, where damaged storage and distribution systems have affected households and businesses.
The proposed tanks represent another step towards restoring essential services while improving communities’ ability to withstand future disruptions.
Pressure to Deliver Faster Results
The announcement comes as the Government faces growing pressure to translate reconstruction commitments into completed projects.
Holness acknowledged that he remains dissatisfied with the pace of rebuilding, nearly one year after Hurricane Melissa damaged thousands of homes and disrupted essential infrastructure.
The Government has already committed resources to modular housing, including approximately $1.2 billion for concrete bases supporting some 2,500 housing units.
However, the Prime Minister has previously raised concerns about procurement, contracting and administrative delays affecting the installation of emergency accommodation.
For families still waiting for permanent housing or reliable water supplies, the latest instructions will be measured by how quickly construction begins and services are restored.
The planned interventions also highlight the importance of building resilience into Jamaica’s recovery, ensuring that new housing developments have safe locations, adequate infrastructure and construction standards suited to the island’s exposure to hurricanes.
With another hurricane season approaching in 2027, the focus is increasingly on delivering homes and infrastructure that can protect communities over the long term.
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