THE Government of Guyana, in collaboration with Roetheli Lil’Red Foundation of the United States and Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc, commissioned a G$88.8M modern housing project on Sunday.

It is in the heart of the interior, at Sand Top, Siriki, Upper Pomeroon River. Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Alli Baksh, who represented the Government at the ceremony, said the scheme built a city in the jungle and gave a spark of hope, for a better future, to people living there.

He pledged that the Regional Administration, which played a leading role in the establishment, will continue to support it over the coming years.

Baksh also promised residents that the Administration will construct a road, from Tapakuma to Lil’Red Village II at Siriki, so residents can easily transport their produce to market.

He undertook, as well, to find sustainable means of employment and give 10 acres of fertile land to each Lil’Red Village II family, so they can embark on a massive ‘grow more food’ drive and be self-sufficient in agricultural crops.

Executive Director of Food for the Poor, Mr. Leon Davis said it is a magnificent venture in which residents performed a miracle in carving out the beautiful location and he encouraged the beneficiaries to care the houses.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Joseph Roetheli of Lil’Red Foundation, said the Lil’Red Village II at Siriki is known as the ‘New Haven Project’.

It comprises 70 wooden houses each with sanitation blocks, a school which will be known as the ‘School of Hope’, a community centre and a storehouse.

He said a water programme will entail sinking of a well and a submersible pump will be utilised to deliver a safe, potable supply water to villagers.

Work to build the houses started on October 6, 2009 and was completed on November 28, the same year.

Roetheli said the foundation was established in 2003 by him and Judy Roetheli and the 40 acres site for the housing was provided by the Guyana Government.