DECADES of dreams were realized yesterday as 270 house lots were distributed in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) at the Uitvlugt Community Centre, West Coast Demerara.
In their continuing effort to achieve the set distribution target of 5,500 lots for 2010, the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), through the ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise, once again delivered a comprehensive range of services for impending residents of Tuschen Phase 2.
Addressing the gathering of anxious residents, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Emil Mc Garrell, emphasized that the exercise is aimed at conveying quality and efficient service to the citizens in order to expedite the process of home ownership.
Continuing, he explained that overall development is not about macro figures, but rather about citizens having the opportunity to participate in the development process. “Our interest is not simply allocating lots, but we have a desire to move you closer to home ownership, for you to live comfortably,” he said.
Mc Garrell applauded the resilience and dedication of the allotees, stating, “Most persons are here because they have a vision for themselves and we are happy to give you the opportunity to own your own home.”
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that even though the Ministry is working towards achieving a target, the numbers are not the primary focus; but rather it is the idea of serving the citizens that remains paramount. “It’s the lives that would have been positively impacted that is important,” he explained.
In his remarks, Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber  stressed the importance of the event to the future security of all involved, and encouraged participants to remain cognizant of the fact that their responsibility of home ownership has just begun.
He said, “Today you will be able to own land that you can do so many things with,” adding, “ I know you have been waiting a long time and today is your turn to be  happy.”
He lauded the Ministry of Housing for the revitalization of the housing drive especially in the region, which he revealed has contributed to accelerated development there.
“The Government has been making more lots available and because of this the region is developing rapidly, as more schemes are opening up,” Faerber revealed.“Region three is growing,” he said.
Alluding to plans to facilitate the increased development and to accommodate the influx of residents, Faerber stated, “The population is growing and the Government has decided to open a training institute at Leonora to stimulate employment so that people will be able to earn more.”
In stressing the importance of speedy occupancy of lots, Faerber stated, “I am appealing to you to ensure that you move forward with this process; if you do not do this, problems will arise with drainage which will ultimately affect your health.”
More than 600 lots will be developed this year in the Tuschen Housing scheme at a cost of $330 million, benefitting more than 2,600 persons. Three hundred and thirty lots were distributed earlier this year and the remaining 270 were handed out during yesterday’s ‘One Stop Shop’.