A DELEGATION from Suriname’s Low-Income Shelter Programme (LISP) is expected to begin discussions here tomorrow with the local team responsible for implementing the GOG/IDB Second Low-Income Settlement Programme.
The two teams will be discussing a number of issues relative to the implementation of both programmes, but more specifically, they will be exchanging information on strategies and methodologies each country uses in introducing and implementing pilot projects under its respective programme.
The local team will be headed by Chief Executive Officer/Programme Manager of LISP, Ms. Myrna Pitt.
Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali will be meeting with the Surinamese delegation, comprised of Mrs. Dynaida Baptist, Head of Delegation; Mrs. Phoelwantie Rampadaratsing, Mr. Ike Muler, Mrs. Maureen Duttenhofer, Mrs Bibi Brandon-Mustapha, Mrs. Marlene Troenosetro, and Mr. Lucas Hoepel, Operations Analyst of the IDB.
They are also slated to visit some of the schemes which are under the Programme, and to look at the core house and home improvement pilots.

Benefits
During the launch of the Second Low-Income Settlement Programme, in 2009, Minister Ali pointed out that the initiative would aid in contributing to government’s poverty alleviation efforts, because it was designed to fit neatly into the national development agenda and poverty reduction strategy.
“What we have is great ownership. We have a project that goes beyond housing along the coastal region. We have a project that is looking at establishing housing communities in the hinterland regions. This brings with it fundamental changes — changes in lifestyle, social behaviour, economic opportunities, and livelihood options,” he said.
He noted that the conceptualisation of the programme was outstanding, and strategically reflected where the housing policies and housing agenda would want to be by 2013.
The programme is expected to be implemented during the period 2009-2013, and will benefit approximately 10,000 households.
At the launch, IDB Resident Representative Marco Nicola reflected on the genesis of the venture. He explained that the IDB started collaborating with the Government of Guyana in 2000, with the first Low Income Settlement Programme which was completed in 2007.
Nicola said the previous programme had been successful in accompanying the process that Guyana initiated in 1992, which benefited about 19,000 low income households over its seven years of execution.