WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Eastern Westmoreland Member of Parliament Dr. Dayton Campbell has initiated a comprehensive housing recovery program. The initiative commenced Tuesday with the official handover of a newly built residence in Bethel Town, marking the first completed project under this ambitious scheme.
The recovery program targets construction of five to ten housing units across each of the constituency’s four divisions: Bethel Town, Leamington, Darliston, and Whitehouse. Dr. Campbell emphasized that the project emerged from crisis conditions, stating: ‘When Hurricane Melissa devastated homes across Westmoreland Eastern, we made a commitment that our people would not be left behind. Today, we begin delivering on that promise.’
Remarkably, the inaugural home was completed within a three-week timeframe, demonstrating the project’s operational efficiency. The MP acknowledged both local and international donors whose contributions enabled the initiative, while specifically highlighting the strategic decision to employ local contractors, skilled workers, and suppliers. This approach ensures economic benefits circulate within the affected communities while supporting livelihood restoration.
The construction methodology incorporates durable, sustainable materials including foam concrete—a cost-effective and resilient building solution particularly suited for disaster-prone regions. Dr. Campbell stressed that these are permanent dwellings rather than temporary shelters, engineered to withstand future environmental challenges.
With the next house already scheduled for construction in Leamington Division and expected within another three-week period, the project team has overcome initial logistical challenges. Dr. Campbell concluded: ‘Our systems are now optimized for even faster completion times. While speed matters, our ultimate priorities remain quality construction and sustainable community development.’