LAST Friday, the Ministry of Communities opened a four-day exposition of its “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” programme at Perseverance, East Bank of Demerara. This project has an ambitious and doable aim to construct similar communities in six regions. What is also heartening given what was seen in recent housing development projects, is the commitment by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to regulate all development and construction in the proposed housing schemes.
To own your home is the dream of most, if not all, and determinedly pursued. A home not only represents a place to rest one’s head, share with loved ones, and pride of achievement, but it also has material value and brings with it ownership of country. Very often society measures among personal accomplishments this asset. It cannot be ignored in the past that ownership eluded many not because of the absence of land, but also prohibitive cost and absence of a national concerted programme to facilitate acquisition. Efforts by the Government to correct all these major deficiencies and ensuring potential home-owners are not only overpriced, but get their money’s worth, cannot be ignored.
Guyanese have departed these shores to find work in order to build their dream home here, or the desire for ownership has served as a major factor to migrate. Squatting areas have also emerged from the said desire. To the extent that Government has decided it will play a leading role in helping citizens pursue this dream, in an evidently elevated standard, would play a significant role in not only cementing ownership of country, but also the desire to remain or re-migrate.
Where citizens believe this prized accomplishment is too attainable for them, they are inclined to work to achieve it. The displayed models are not only attractive, but are also catering to diverse economic backgrounds, thereby making the housing drive inclusive. When this worthwhile project comes to fruition, it will bode well for creating even development in an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Creating communities where standards are set — e.g. aesthetics, functionality, safety, infrastructures and historic preservation — such gives rise to residents being actively involved, which brings with it high expectations. People are inclined to value the community, take pride in its sanitation, environment, policing themselves and others in ensuring upkeep and maintenance. This type of neighbour helps to maintain property value as well as re-sale value.
Times have also changed wherein that people are more aware of environmental and health issues and their consequences. For instance, sewage management may necessitate upgrading the solid waste system in keeping with modernity and population growth. These factors would require institutional strengthening not only at CH&PA, but also new regulations being implemented and enforced.
For example, where a home is air conditioned, if the unit’s Freon is leaking, how could it be rectified. Where there is inspection in wiring a house, such inspection should also apply to other construction from a safety, sanitary, environmental and regulatory standpoint, which will ensure proper maintenance. These are support systems government will have to facilitate and citizens require to help through maintenance to ensure protection of their valued assets.
Supporting the appearance of these new developments would require a proper system behind them. For instance, the construction of some of the buildings appears more temperate friendly than tropical. With it follows the question whether choice will exist, such as refashioning to our climate and in keeping with the ‘green state’ focus or owners will have to be prepared to pay higher electricity charges to make their atmospheric conditions conducive. Government, in its effort to facilitate home ownership, may also find it worthwhile to examine the expanding range/possibilities of involvement in light of precedence. History advises that the national housing drive was aided through private development under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration; involvement of the State, trade union, cooperatives, and disciplined services under the Forbes Burnham administration, coupled with government oversight; and the State during the premiership of Cheddi Jagan.
To the average home aspirants — the displayed duplexes, single-family units and apartments, whether being physically present to see and touch, signed up to own, or followed through media, mainstream and/or social — whoever can help with acquisition helps their cause. Society could significantly benefit from a sustained and structured housing drive. Where government maintains a hands-on approach in setting the standards, as it also oversees implementation with other stakeholders, it can make this formidable task doable.