– direct benefits to approximately 2,390 persons
THE Government of Guyana stands committed to its core responsibility of ensuring that all citizens have access to improved living conditions, social infrastructure and ensuring that development takes place in an equitable manner where everyone has opportunities created by the growth being experienced in the country. Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali made the declaration on Wednesday, while addressing allotees of Bell West Housing Scheme at Wales Community Centre, West Bank Demerara.

It was the Ministry’s third ‘One Stop Shop’ for this year and 260 lots were allocated in phase two of the Bell West Scheme, with direct benefits to approximately 2,390 people.

Minister Ali said: “We have invested more than $300 million in this area and we are pleased to be here to serve you and to deliver, to you, a service that is second to none and ensure that all present leave with their allocation.”

Alluding to the continued development across Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), he disclosed that the Ministry of Housing has plans for massive development in 2011.
“We are  hoping to have phase one of the Zeelugt Scheme ready, along with Leonora and Recht-door-Zee, which will see a further 2,100 house lots added to the existing housing schemes in Region Three, bringing benefits to more than 8,620 persons there,” he announced.

Ali emphasised that the Housing Ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) have a continuing commitment to work, in an efficient and reliable manner, to deliver house lots through the allocation process, making the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands.

In addition, he informed impending home owners of the Ministry’s intention to place a stronger emphasis on community development and integration and called on those present to recognise that they have an integral role to play in sustaining their communities.

COLLABORATION
“Our mandate goes beyond fulfilling our responsibility, as we also have to make sure that community planning and development is integrated in a way that the communities, themselves, become sustainable and this requires collaboration with you, the people,” Ali reiterated.

He said the primary aim of promoting community cohesiveness is to create a blend which will propel Guyana forward and reflect the nature of the Guyanese society, which is strong because of the richness of the various cultures shared.

Ali assured the residents of transparency in the allocation process and encouraged them to be conscientious and honest in their approach.

“We are serious about the transparency of this process as we have to ensure that all our people get an opportunity, which requires fairness and I want you to be careful in the way you operate,” he urged.

Ali congratulated the new allotees and encouraged them to view the opportunity as a means of improving their lives and providing a better future for their children as they move towards home ownership.

In his remarks, Region Three Chairman, Mr. Julius Faerber offered congratulations to the allottees on their accomplishment and said they should consider themselves fortunate to reside in the rapidly developing Region.

“The Government of Guyana has been working assiduously to ensure that every citizen owns their own home and, today, you have the opportunity to share in the development that is taking place here,” he remarked.

Faerber challenged those present to assume the responsibility for maintaining their communities and contributing to the continued growth of the Region.

With the promise of homeownership one step closer, many of the new allotees thanked the disbursing Ministry for giving them the chance to improve their standard of living.
One woman, Ms. Chanderdai Sookram said she has been renting a house for 15 years and she cannot believe that, soon, she would have her own home.
“Thanks to what this Government is doing, many of us have a chance to live in a better way,” she observed.