Advertisement

MOCA probing corruption claims at HAJ

Prime Minister Andrew Holness
 
The Major Organisation Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is investigating allegations of corruption in certain projects at the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) during the last PNP administration.
   
Minister without Portfolio Dr. Horace Chang told RJR News a shortwhile ago that the government is awaiting a report from MOCA on the matter.
 
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness disclosed that he had instructed the board of the HAJ to refer the matter to MOCA.
 
An incensed Mr. Holness was reacting to calls by the Opposition for an investigation to be launched into the Government's $600 million road project in St. Mary South Eastern where a by-election is to be held on October 30.
 
The Opposition has accused the Government of using public funds for political gain.
 
However, Mr. Holness said what should be investigated are allegations of corruption in the sale of houses in Luana, St. Elizabeth when the PNP came to power in 2012.
 
He stated that under the JLP administration, the HAJ in 2008 built houses in Luana at a cost of $2.1 million per unit and sold them for $2.5 million.
 
However, he said later, the PNP administration built similar houses for $11.8 million per unit.
 
"I don't know of any one bedroom unit selling for $11.8 million anywhere. So the HAJ, under the leadership of the PNP...sold the units that cost $11.8 million for $4.5 million. You want something to investigate and look into? That is what must be investigated and looked into thoroughly!" the prime minister declared forcefully.  
 
He was speaking at the HAJ's ground breaking ceremony for another housing development in Luana, St. Elizabeth.


comments powered by Disqus
Most Popular
Major fraud uncovered at Courts branch in...