FOLLOWING a partnership between the Ministry of Communities, New Amsterdam Municipal Council and private land developers, a symbolic sod turning ceremony was held to signal the commencement of a model village, where sixty houses will be erected at Savannah Park, a stone’s throw east of the Tutorial Academy Secondary School.

Mayor Winifred Haywood revealed that the land, which constitutes of sixty house lots, was donated to the government by the council, and, with an understanding that infrastructure development will be undertaken jointly by Reliant Building Consortium INC, Guyana Premier Development Group INC, Icarus Construction & Development INC, Rasco Inc, and Amazonia Development Foundation Trust.

It was noted that the plotted land was initially earmarked to be an industrial site, but, with the passing of time, plans were changed to accommodate the growing need for housing amongst the populace.

Meanwhile, Mr. Robert Forrester, Chairman of Reliant Building Consortium, and also representing the consortium of companies, said, the US$3M project which was in the pipeline for a very long time, could only have been executed through partnership , which would allow for the development of communities.

The initiative, the first for New Amsterdam, will have all the basic facilities, including housing units for low, middle and high income earners, which will allow home owners to have a better life.

However, it was emphasised that with the limited spots available, just a specific number can be accommodated, and the successful applicants will be screened, and will also have to engage with the relevant lending institutions before being allocated lots on which they must build within a specific period.

Forrester noted too that while a Police outpost will also be erected, the Companies will assist with design and building, commercial spaces, green areas, and a mall which will have all essential services.