Residents of Ruthven Towers, a luxury housing development in New Kingston built by the National Housing Trust (NHT), are speaking out against what they describe as unfulfilled promises and mounting frustrations. The development, marketed as a high-end residential project, has become the center of controversy as homeowners contend with significant delays and construction defects.
The homeowners initially purchased their units under the impression that the development would include a suite of amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, jogging trail, and conference room. These facilities, promised to be completed by December 2024, are now delayed until 2028. Despite paying for these features through their mortgages, residents have been left with none of the promised amenities, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of the NHT.
“The delays and lack of communication from the NHT have left us feeling deceived,” one homeowner shared anonymously. “We trusted the NHT to deliver on its promises, but instead, we’re left with half-completed infrastructure and mounting frustrations.”
Beyond the absence of promised amenities, homeowners report a litany of structural and infrastructural problems. These include leaking roofs, faulty electrical systems, flooding during heavy rains, and substandard construction work, such as poorly installed tiles and doors. Residents have expressed fears that these issues will devalue their properties and increase maintenance costs over time.
Senator Floyd Morris, a prominent advocate for housing rights, has called for immediate government intervention. “This is a failure of public trust,” Morris stated. “The NHT must not only complete what was promised but also address the glaring construction defects that have made daily life for residents increasingly difficult. This is not what they paid for.”
Morris has also urged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to take action, emphasizing the government’s role in ensuring accountability for public bodies like the NHT. He called on the agency to provide financial relief to residents by adjusting their mortgage payments until the promised amenities are completed and the structural issues are addressed.
The Ruthven Towers development was intended to be a flagship project showcasing the NHT’s ability to serve a more upscale market. However, the ongoing controversy has cast a shadow over the agency’s reputation and raised concerns about its capacity to manage high-profile developments effectively.
As the dispute continues, homeowners and advocates are demanding answers and solutions. Many are hopeful that increased public pressure will compel the NHT to fulfill its commitments and restore trust in its ability to deliver quality housing solutions to Jamaicans.
