MINISTER of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali said, last week, that continued development along East Bank Demerara is a positive indicator of the ongoing growth in the country.
And that, in turn, will stimulate investors confidence in the economy, he told a press conference, in his Brickdam, Georgetown office, called to discuss the extent of current expansion in the area.
Ali said:“In 2008, Government took the strategic decision to invest in a large area of land and the purpose of that was to replicate the development in Diamond Housing Scheme, which preceded that in Eccles/Providence.”
He pointed out that the newly expanding area will play a tremendous role in reshaping its landscape, especially through the expanding of economic activities.
Ali said the planned development will follow the growth poles that already exist in the area, including the National Stadium and Princess Hotel, both at Providence, in addition to the wide range of other services available in front.
Outlining the benefits, he said: “You also have the plans to construct the four-lane highway that will be extended past this area and gives us the extent of what to expect. It will match the home ownership aspirations to the economic diversification and expansion of the East Bank.”
Ali said there are 50 two-acre plots, which will be used for economic purposes, to include development of a Qualfon call centre, a new mall and a number of other businesses.
The second aspect is the public/private partnership, for which more than 500 acres have been earmarked through involvement of the Private Sector, the Minister added.
According to him:“Only last month, we received almost 30 business proposals, which would all be components of the development and, in addition, the land clearing exercise has begun for varying housing developments.”
Continuing, he noted, too, the developmental works to be undertaken by the Government, which will result in the development of 1,000 new lots to be added to the East Bank housing infrastructure.
He announced that the Ministry of Housing will also make available, in Herstelling, between 800 and 1,000 lots by August.

Remigrant component

Ali said a remigrant component of the East Bank Development Plan would ensure a flow of resources into the country.
“Every time someone comes here to build a house, it has tremendous trickle down effect on the economy. So we are making available 50 acres of land for this purpose, in the first phase,” he stated.
Ali disclosed that there is an online application process to facilitate the success of this venture.
He said the overall development will fit into the annual Building Expo, which is geared towards the acceleration of the Construction Sector, while displaying the growth, development and contribution of the industry.
“By August, the Government will make available approximately 2,500 lots in that area and the Private Sector will have another 1,500 to 2,000 lots there,” Ali assured.
He also gave the assurance that all the planned improvements along East Bank Demerara is intended to further transform the corridor into an area of growth and development, which is evident in the Government’s continued efforts to invest, stimulate and motivate the economy.
“It is heartening to travel along the corridor and to see what Guyanese are doing. It gives a feeling of accomplishment and of how much more still needs to be  done to ensure that the plans remain sustainable and implementable,” Ali asserted.