Fitz-Henley welcomes improvement in Jamaica’s Housing Quality Index

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says though there is much more to be done, an indication from the Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ, that there has been an improvement in the country’s Housing Quality Index, HQI is welcomed news.

The PIOJ revealed its findings of an increase in the HQI on Monday.

It said the index rose to 80.5 per cent in 2023, from 75.0 per cent in 2017.

According to the PIOJ,  when 2023 was compared with 2017, all six indicators of the HQI are showing an increase. 

The indicators include electricity for lighting, exclusive use of kitchen, exclusive use of water closet, indoor tap-pipe as main source of drinking water, and number of persons per habitable room. 

The largest increase was seen for the proportion of households that were not overcrowded, which improved 11-point-5 percentage points to 74 percent.

Senator Fitz Henley has welcomed the news.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the administration is focused on improving the quality of housing in Jamaica and also accessibility to housing.

He notes that Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness recognises that the cost of housing is significantly influenced by market conditions.

But he says Dr. Holness has advised various housing agencies in Jamaica that it is the policy of the administration to create an environment where as many housing solutions as possible are affordable to low to middle income Jamaicans.