– as Housing Ministry aids transformation of family life
MORE than 600 house lots were distributed yesterday as the Ministry of Housing and Water conducted its third ‘One Stop Shop’ in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), at the Westminster Primary School, West Bank Demerara.

The exercise carried out by the Housing Ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) facilitated the allocation of Middle Income house lots in Schoon-ord Housing Scheme, in Parfait Harmonie, bringing the allocation to 1500 lots for 2010.

Over the last 10 years, the Government has invested more that $3.5 billion in Parfait Harmonie, including $400 Million in the Schoon-ord area.

In addressing the expectant gathering of impending home owners, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Irfaan Ali pointed out that the event was a victory and a testimony of their endurance, faith, patience and commitment.

Ali praised the gathering for their efforts in ensuring that they abide by the laws of Guyana by striving to acquire a house lot, as he recognized that many persons use the excuse of not owning a house lot to reside in squatting areas.

In light of this, he encouraged them to reform their ways of thinking and to adopt a new outlook which will be beneficial to the community and society, as they embark on their new phase in life.

“We need to develop a society that visualizes a new culture that ensures that we abide by the laws and live in a decent, civilized, harmonious manner,” he emphasized.

According to the Housing Minister, adapting these strategies and ideas will further propel the emerging community to embody the beautiful nature of the country and to celebrate the different cultures therein.

On an alternate note, Ali expressed disappointment over recent reports, concerning the condition of the bridge in Parfait Harmonie, in certain sections of the media.

He revealed that the bridge was designed before it was anticipated that Parfait Harmonie would become the largest housing scheme in the Region, since it was first conceptualized to accommodate 2000 lots as opposed to the now projected 9,500 lots.

He also projected that over the next five years, the country will become a highly important industrial economy, undergoing drastic transformations which will in turn require drastic changes in mindset.

In this regard, he encouraged those present to take advantage of the existing state of the construction material market and partner with the various financial and construction entities present at the One Stop Shop, to commence building.

Ali imparted, “Today you will begin the journey of owning your own home and I urge you to forge these relationships now before the cost of materials increase, it is important to expedite the process now and make your dreams a reality.”

He also revealed that there are plans underway to construct an alternate access road into the scheme, just off of the Demerara Harbor Bridge, testimony he stated, to the on going developments in the area.

In her address, Chief Executive Officer CHPA, Ms. Myrna Pitt encouraged the future community residents to grasp the opportunities provided by the One Stop Shop to complete the transaction process and obtain information to hasten the construction and occupancy process.

She pointed out that,  as they are about to become part of a close knit community and a scheme which will accommodate more than 30,000 persons, cooperation and community planning are tantamount to the success of their integration .

Pitt also indicated that the CHPA will be working with the residents to deliver on their mandate, ensuring that they establish areas that are functional and sustainable.

“I wish you every success in the pursuit of owning your own home,” she said.

Regional Chairman , Julius Faerber, lauded the efforts of the collaborating entities , the Ministry of Housing and the Private Sector for their contributions in enduring that the entire region  benefit from the growing developments in the country.

Alluding to the advantages of such developments, he said, “It is good when we can come together,” adding, “I am happy that we can provide this service to you, we recognize that we must develop our people for greater social and economic development.”

He revealed to the residents that, in keeping with the commitment to provide services, the new scheme is fully equipped with a Health Centre, Community Center and Schools, and emphasized that the RDC will be working with the Ministry of Housing to ensure that the services are delivered.

In extending congratulations to the impending home owners, Faerber gave assurances that they will continue to witness development and improvements throughout their community and the region.

“It is my hope that you will be in a position to own your own home after today’s activities,” Faerber said.