In Region Three…
SIXTY-EIGHT low and middle income earners received house lots yesterday in a new housing development area at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. Speaking at the allocation, Housing and Water Minister, Mr. Irfaan Ali said Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) can expect much more development.

“The housing programme in Region Three will continue to be expanded and have the necessary investment from the Government of Guyana,” he assured.

The occasion was another ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise where not only allottees were present but many others who raised concerns about needs.
The new land owners expressed their appreciation of the opportunity to own their own homes.
Ali alluded to the substantial growth in housing at Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo and the 1,000 more lots expected to be developed there.
He said 660 more will also be available at Parfait/Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, in addition to the 1,000 plus already allocated this year.

Ali said sites at Zeelugt, also on the East Bank of Essequibo and Leonora, West Coast Demerara, are being prepared for at least a further 1,000 lots.
According to him, by the end of 2010, some 5,000 lots will be handed over.
He acknowledged that not everyone who wants a house lot in particular area may succeed but maintained that there are many other opportunities within Region Three.
In that context, Ali appealed for a culture shift and noted that Guyanese people complain about travelling an extra 15 minutes to get to work while, in other countries, they have to commute for as much as three hours.

However, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Guyanese people and said his ministry will work with them to meet their housing requirements but called for their support.
PARTNERSHIPS
Ali pointed to the completion of roads in schemes as an example of the importance of partnerships between the Government and the people.
He explained that, before the current loam roads can be resurfaced, there has to be an occupancy rate of 75 per cent in the area.
“If we do the roads before that and then the sand trucks come in, they will be damaged much more easily,” Ali stated while alluding also to his Ministry’s effort to ensure that the water network is completed.

Present yesterday the ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise were representatives of the lending agencies, including Hand-in-Hand Trust Company, New Building Society (NBS), Republic Bank Limited (RBL), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Citizens Bank and Bank of Nova Scotia.

Each lot costs $300,000 and the 68 owners had to pay half of that sum before receiving their letters of allocation.

They were told that, with the letters and other necessary documentation, inclusive of a house plan, they can approach the financial institutions to access loans.

Ali said the Housing Ministry is appreciative of the contribution from the lenders and noted that, with incentives from the Government, they are better placed to be supportive of low and middle income workers.

He said low income loans now attract around 4.2 per cent interest, a rate that is possible because of Guyana’s stable economic situation, a status not being enjoyed by many other countries.
Ali reiterated that the Ministry will be enforcing the repossession policy if people do not utilise the land given.

“You have to build on the land,” he urged.
Ali said the current housing drive is based on the vision to build communities and partnerships for and with Guyanese.

“You have an opportunity to own a home you deserve and the Government is happy to deliver it to you,” he told the beneficiaries.

Responding to issues alluded to by people in attendance, Ali gave them the assurance that the Ministry of Housing is committed to them.

He said housing development impacts transformation in the lives of people and even the economy benefits, like the suppliers of materials, the architects and other stakeholders.
Ali said, as Minister of Housing, he has no apologies to make for the work it is piloting to develop the sector.

He stated that transparency and accountability is not an issue for the Ministry and its operations can be viewed from all sides.

During the past 17 years thousands of Guyanese throughout Guyana have become home owners as the PPP/C government continues to promote housing development.
Houselot allocation under the administration has been unparalleled and it plans to further expand the housing sector millions to develop new houselots and to improve existing housing schemes.