‘…largely an approach where we see national growth as the aggregate wealth of individuals,’ says President Jagdeo
IN keeping with the government’s vision of ensuring that every citizen enjoys an improved quality of life, the Ministry of Housing allocated close to 1,000 house lots yesterday during the fourth One Stop Shop for 2011, at the National Stadium, Providence. More than 3000 persons gathered there to witness and to participate in the life-changing event that will see even more Guyanese citizens and families having a chance to own their own homes in the Eccles Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara.
Addressing the gathering, President Bharrat Jagdeo pointed to the significance of the event, which he noted will result in even more persons having a stake in their country.
As to the vision behind this strategy, he said, “It all ties back to a greater philosophy of the government…it is largely an approach where we see national growth as the aggregate wealth of individuals.”
He noted that in the past, the state had too much of an overwhelming presence in people’s lives and controlled some 80 percent of all economic activities in Guyana, and by extension, most of its assets, particularly land, a reality which the PPP/C administration has moved away from.
“We believe that if you have an aggressive programme where every Guyanese can have access to resources, then they can start the process of accumulation,” President Jagdeo explained.
This accumulation, he stressed, is a critical factor in national development.
Continuing, the Head of State explained that to this end, investments are continually being made in the housing sector to facilitate economic growth and facilitate the growth in families’ wealth. 
In light of this, Jagdeo refuted claims in certain sections of the media which suggest that the housing programme targets individuals of certain economic standing and that it  will create a ‘housing  bubble’, and pointed to the advantages of the programme.

Continued Expansion
President Jagdeo assured the gathering that the development along the East Bank corridor will continue to move apace as the country moves forward.
Alluding to this development, he stated, “We have to move forward, Georgetown will be expanded all the way to Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, the government plans to utilise all of the land acquired from GuySuCo, worth $4B, which will see the development of 10,000 lots.”
In keeping with the developmental trajectory, Jagdeo revealed that there are plans to acquire more land, which will result in the massive extension of the urban area, which in turn will require the expansion of existing infrastructure, including the Diamond Hospital and the four-lane highway.
In addition, he disclosed that the expansion may also include the development of  a further two lanes of roadway from Mocha Village on the East Bank of Demerara to Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, to further ease the traffic congestion.
Amidst concerns surrounding the new Haags Bosch landfill site, situated in the new scheme, the president assured the future residents that this too has been designed, using state-of-the-art technology so that residents will not be affected.
“US$12M has been invested in the Haags Bosch site which will see the installation of proper drainage underground and the installation of filter systems found in sites abroad,” he explained.
Added to this, a buffer zone comprising various factories will separate the site from the residential area.
He explained that the massive development underway has nothing to do with the fact that this year is an election year, as the project was started two years ago with the initial purchase of the land.
Congratulating the impending homeowners, President Jagdeo said, “I’m convinced that Guyana has to have every single family owning their own house and we can do this.”
In his address, Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali reiterated that the overall aim of such initiatives is to develop areas that are functional and sustainable in keeping with the PPP/C’s vision to accelerate development to ensure that the life of every Guyanese improves on a daily basis.
“The government was pressured to explain why we needed $4B for housing; the answer is that we wanted to improve the lives of every single Guyanese; if you look at the cross section of the crowd here this morning, you will see a representation of the true Guyanese spirit,” Ali said.
Minister Ali also reminded that in 2006, the PPP/C made a pact with the citizens of Guyana to bring new housing schemes across Guyana, to improve and accelerate the distribution of titles, to make access to mortgages easier, and to promote partnerships with the private sector in building homes.
“Ladies and gentlemen, by 2009 we had exceeded all of these promises, and today the transformation is in full effect,” he proudly declared.
In addition, he revealed that even after the development of the targeted 15,000 at the end of the project, there are plans for the addition of a further 17,000 lots.
Explaining, he said, “President Bharrat Jagdeo once again demonstrated his visionary skills and challenged the ministry to bring to Guyanese people 17,000 more lots within a three year period.”
As to the response to such a task, Minister Ali announced that by the end of August this year, more than 18,000 lots are expected to be allocated.”
“This will only be made possible through the strong commitment by the government in ensuring that the financial resources, the capital investment that is critical to accelerate development is there, so that the lots could be made available,” he noted.
The minister congratulated those present on the important occasion, which he noted heralded the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, and encouraged them to take full advantage of all of the opportunities available through the involvement of the private sector companies and the banking institutions.
In closing , he said,” Today is your day, live it enjoy it; and we make a commitment to you that we will continue to work with you until all of your dreams become a reality in this beautiful country of ours.”
Through the Ministry of Housing’s One Stop Shop exercise, persons are given the chance to complete all stages in the home ownership process, from the application stage to financing, and eventually home construction, as the Ministry of Housing partners with financial institutions, construction companies and other Private Sector partners.
This is the Ministry’s fourth such exercise for 2011.