Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government will be scaling up the number of indigent houses made available through the New Social Housing Programme.

This, as he says there may be as many as 10,000 people living in conditions considered well below standard.

Mr. Holness is appealing to the private sector to partner with the government in building out these houses for vulnerable Jamaicans, as he says government alone will not be able to provide all the housing needed immediately.

Noting the increased cost of block and steel housing solutions, the Prime Minister said other solutions may be used for future houses.

He reiterated that it is the objective of the government to ensure all citizens have decent housing.

He was speaking yesterday (February 2) at the handing over of two housing units in North East St. Andrew.

The government has so far constructed 116 rooms in 46 units under the New Social Housing Programme.

26 more units under construction.