HAJ says land availability and bureaucratic delays among key issues affecting its ability to supply housing solutions

October 5, 2026

Managing Director of the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) Doreen Prendergast, has stated that land availability and bureaucratic delays are among the key issues affecting the agency’s ability to supply housing solutions.

She was addressing a panel during the Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development Ministry’s World Habitat Day Exposition today.

The HAJ is a land and housing development company that provides shelter solutions for Jamaicans.

Its core services include providing shelter solutions on the open market, mortgage servicing, and upgrading informal settlements.

Mrs. Prendergast explained that Jamaicans must be mindful that housing is a process, with several factors affecting the delivery of houses to the market.

She said, for example, squatters occupy some of the agency’s prime lands, which could impact the number of houses placed on the market.

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Mrs. Prendergast noted that the process to approve developments can be lengthy in some instances.

She added that the agency also has challenges in securing finances for some projects.

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Meanwhile, Mrs. Prendergast pointed to the procurement process and external issues such as the Middle East conflict, which also affects the HAJ’s ability to supply the Jamaican market with houses.

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