Ali forecasts Region Ten set for dynamic transformation
MINISTER of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali said, last Saturday, that Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice) is generating a lot of interest and, from all indications, is set for a dynamic  transformation, not only through the Government but the Private Sector, as well.
He made the observation during the regularisation exercise conducted at Bay Rock Community Centre ground in Linden. On that occasion, Ali pointed out that, over the last four years, there has been a marked increase in the number of applications for house lots in that Region.
He also revealed that overseas based Guyanese have been more interested in acquiring lots there.
“We agree that there is an increased need, which is why, under the second Low Income Settlements (LIS2) Programme, we have developed a further 1,000 lots in Amelia’s Ward,” Ali stated.
He explained that the land clearing exercise alone was completed at a cost of $14M after which the area will be surveyed, leveled and made ready for design and layout.
In addition, Ali disclosed that the 200 acres under elopment will be surrounded by a buffer zone, to muffle the noise from the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, as it is expected to expand in the future and soon become  a very active, high volume area.
He observed that, many times, development does not take into consideration the consequences for the environment but the buffer zone will create a natural barrier.
“At the end of this project in Amelia’s Ward Phase Three, we would have spent almost $1 billion in the area,” Ali revealed.
He said almost $1M per lot is the subsidy that is going into the development of the area, as part of the 2011 programme.
Ali said the increasing development across the Region is indicative of the fact that more persons are confident about investing in Linden as it, unlike the low coastal zone, is not susceptible to the effects of global warming.

Confidence
“The investors’, the financial  sector’s, as well as the Administration’s confidence in Linden is telling the story that Region Ten is an integral part of the whole investment programme that is ongoing in the country,” he posited.
Ali said that is a positive sign and gave assurances that the Ministry of Housing will continue to work towards ensuring that the necessary investments and infrastructure are placed to meet the increasing demands in the Region.
In response, Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo said the need for housing has always engaged the attention of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the turnout at the allocation exercise is testimony to the fact that needs are being addressed by the Ministry of Housing.
“I am aware that, under LIS 2 Programme of the Ministry of Housing, additional lots will be available to the people in Region Ten and we are grateful for that,” he said.
Referring to the proposed expansion of Amelia’s Ward Phase Three, Mingo said he is pleased to witness it to facilitate further development and applauded the initiative of the Housing Ministry in addressing the needs of the people.
“I think the initiative is one that speaks directly to fulfilling the needs of the people of Region Ten,” Mingo remarked.