KINGSTON, Jamaica – Senator Floyd Morris, the opposition’s spokesperson on housing and sustainable living, has publicly urged the government to step in regarding ongoing conflicts between the National Housing Trust (NHT) and the residents of Ruthven Towers, a residential complex situated in New Kingston.
Residents of Ruthven Towers acquired their apartments through the NHT with the expectation of receiving various amenities included in their purchase price. These promised facilities—such as a swimming pool, jogging trail, clubhouse, conference room, and gym—were slated for completion by December 2024. However, as of now, none of these amenities have been realized, and homeowners have been informed that the projected availability has been pushed to 2028. This delay comes despite homeowners consistently covering the costs of these amenities through their monthly mortgage payments, Senator Morris highlighted.
“The situation faced by Ruthven Towers homeowners represents a severe breach of trust and commitment by the NHT,” Morris stated. “The lack of delivery on promised amenities, coupled with ongoing construction and infrastructure issues, is unacceptable.”
In addition to the delayed amenities, residents have reported numerous construction flaws within the development. Issues such as leaking roofs, burst water pipes, faulty electrical installations, lifting floor tiles, improperly installed doors, and recurrent flooding during heavy rains have been cited as significant concerns affecting the quality of living for the residents.
Senator Morris described the predicament as a profound injustice, emphasizing that Prime Minister Andrew Holness holds the responsibility to address and rectify the “chaotic circumstances” that homeowners did not create. He criticized the NHT for mishandling the Ruthven Towers project, which was initially intended to be a flagship development catering to a higher-end market segment—something beyond the traditional scope of the NHT’s nearly five-decade history.
Calling for accountability, Morris is advocating for the NHT to provide compensation to the affected homeowners. He proposes a temporary suspension or reduction of mortgage payments until the NHT fulfills its obligations by correcting the existing defects and completing the promised amenities within the development.
The opposition’s stance underscores a broader concern regarding the effectiveness and reliability of the NHT in managing housing projects and honoring commitments to Jamaican citizens. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and residents alike await decisive action to resolve the issues plaguing Ruthven Towers.
