After spending $67 billion on Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery efforts, the Government is now rolling out thousands of container houses across Jamaica to shelter displaced families. Speaking during the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, Minister without Portfolio Robert Montague revealed that 2,724 housing units — including a 200-unit donation from China — have been secured as authorities continue efforts to relocate residents whose homes were destroyed by the hurricane.
According to Montague, 1,424 container units are already on the island, with 900 currently being held by the Jamaica Defence Force in western Jamaica. He also disclosed that the National Housing Trust has already purchased 1,200 units and committed to acquiring a total of 2,500 as part of the Government’s wider housing response. The move comes as officials reassess the scale of displacement caused by Hurricane Melissa, with current estimates suggesting between 2,000 and 2,500 people will require emergency housing support.
The updated figures mark a significant shift from earlier projections, which suggested more than 12,000 homes would be needed after the storm devastated communities across sections of the island. However, Montague noted that many residents have already started rebuilding through insurance payouts, community assistance, family support and the Government’s ROOFS programme. “This Government has already spent $67 billion on hurricane relief and recovery, while still maintaining the fundamentals of the economy,” the Minister told Parliament.
Meanwhile, international and local organisations have also stepped in to assist. The Red Cross donated 300 wooden houses, while several NGOs and private individuals continue contributing to relief efforts. In response to concerns raised over the foundations being used for some units in Westmoreland, the Government now plans to issue grants allowing beneficiaries to build their own approved foundations under municipal supervision.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also instructed the NHT to expand unused sections of existing housing schemes, particularly in western Jamaica, to reduce infrastructure costs and accelerate relocation efforts. Some unused container units will later be repurposed for infirmaries, social housing initiatives and future disaster response operations through ODPEM as Jamaica continues rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
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