SEVEN HOUSING projects developed by the government for inner-city communities should get underway in six months, according to Paul Buchanan, project director for the Ministry of Water and Housing's Urban/Rural Renewal and Upgrading Programme.
The low income family units are to be built at between $400,000 and $800,000 and according to Mr. Buchanan, the beneficiaries will be expected to secure mortgages.
"We are trying to see if we can start all of them in the next six months. The planning is underway," the project director said.
He said the pilot project would be the Iris King Housing Development in Allman Town in honour of the former People's National Party Member of Parliament who was also the first female mayor of Kingston. Mr. King died in New York earlier this year.
The development would take place on Prince of Wales Street where several units were formally handed over by Water and Housing Minister, Dr. Karl Blythe, to a number of fire victims last week.
Units will also be built at premises at North Street and Spanish Town Road. A model block of apartments will be constructed at Frog City, behind the Maxfield Park Children's Home.
Additional units would be constructed with deposits from the beneficiaries. Another project is planned for Rum Lane and Hanover Street where derelict buildings will be demolished and replaced with modern structures, while a development is slated for Slipe Road and Torrington Bridge.
