KINGSTON, Jamaica – Discontent is growing among homeowners of Ruthven Towers, a New Kingston development constructed by the National Housing Trust (NHT), as promised amenities and structural issues cast a shadow over what was intended to be a flagship project. Opposition spokesperson on housing and sustainable living, Senator Floyd Morris, is urging the government to intervene and ensure justice for the affected residents.
Residents of Ruthven Towers purchased their homes with the expectation of premium amenities, including a swimming pool, jogging trail, clubhouse, conference room, and gym. These facilities were promised for completion by December 2024, with their costs factored into the purchase price and monthly mortgage payments. However, the NHT has now indicated that these features will not be delivered until 2028—a four-year delay that has left homeowners feeling misled and frustrated.
“This situation is unacceptable,” said Senator Morris. “Homeowners entered into agreements in good faith, expecting the NHT to fulfill its promises. The failure to deliver these amenities, along with ongoing mortgage payments for incomplete services, is nothing short of a breach of trust.”
Adding to residents’ woes are reports of significant construction defects. Issues such as leaking roofs, faulty electrical systems, lifting floor tiles, poor door installations, and burst water pipes have been compounded by severe flooding during heavy rains. These problems have left many questioning the quality of workmanship and oversight in the project.
“The Ruthven Towers project was meant to be a showcase of the NHT’s ability to deliver high-end housing solutions,” Morris continued. “Instead, it has become a symbol of neglect and mismanagement. This is a public body under the portfolio of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and he must take responsibility for ensuring this injustice is addressed.”
Senator Morris has called on the NHT to make restitution by adjusting homeowners’ mortgage payments to reflect the delayed amenities and by promptly addressing the structural defects. He emphasized that this step would represent a fair and necessary reprieve for residents who are bearing the brunt of the project’s shortcomings.
“Ruthven Towers is not just a disappointment; it’s an embarrassment to the NHT’s legacy. Immediate action is needed to restore public confidence and, most importantly, to provide justice to the residents,” Morris concluded.
The situation at Ruthven Towers highlights broader concerns about accountability and transparency in public housing developments. As affected homeowners wait for resolutions, the calls for government intervention and systemic reform grow louder.
