… as government, CH&PA continue to make land accessible to all
THE housing sector in Guyana continues to evolve at a tremendous pace as the government, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), continues to place emphasis on making land available and accessible to all Guyanese.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Ms. Myrna Pitt, made this pronouncement as she sought to highlight the successes of CH&PA programmes and initiatives.
She explained, that the primary focus has been on land development, a policy which has enabled Guyanese to access developed land for house construction, which, in turn, has led to an unprecedented boom in the construction sub- sector of the economy.
As testimony to the success of this drive, Ms. Pitt noted that the Central Bank’s annual report for 2010 has recorded growth in the construction sector, which has increased from 0.5 percent in 2009 to 10.8 percent in 2010.
“This is supported by increased implementation of building projects and high public sector capital expenditure on roads, schools and other infrastructural works,” she added.
According to the CH&PA CEO, the report also indicated that jobs were created in the construction and housing sectors, a direct result of the massive divestment of land which led to the boom in construction.
Together with the increase in demand for building materials and accessories, construction and engineering skills, new construction techniques and the entire range of economic activity have all led to the dynamism of the housing and construction sectors, Pitt emphasized
She pointed to further evidence of the rapid expansion of the construction sector.
She stated, “In addition to the 2500 approvals for new residential construction, the Central Authority approved over 3,000 developments during  2006- 2010 period, and this averages in excess of 600 commercial developments per year for the last 5 years.”
In addition, CH&PA continues to  respond to the needs of Guyanese by focusing on community development, and inter-departmental and inter-agency coordination and collaboration.
As to the impact of these interventions, Ms. Pitt said, “This is critical to the Authority’s efforts to ensure that the implementation of programmes and projects is effected as efficiently and zealously as possible.”
She also pointed out that community planning and adaptation, and issues of climate change, in the context of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), are also being actively pursued by the Authority.
Referring to the newly developed housing scheme at Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara, and the recent allocation of more than 1,000 lots there, Pitt said the area is intended to become a growth pole for development.
“When fully developed, the area promises to be the showpiece of Guyana and possibly the Caribbean,” she pronounced.
This area comprises a commercial zone, a residential zone, and reserved sites. This will be complemented by several other residential developments totalling approximately 500 acres that are being expanded by private developers.
She took the opportunity to commend those private partners who have continued to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and the CH&PA as they continue on their journey “bridging the gap through the phenomenal growth and development of the housing and construction sector and by so doing, transforming our beautiful Guyana.”