Expansion, development facing housing, water sectors
THE most critical issue facing the housing and water sectors over the next five years is continued expansion and development Minister with the portfolio, Irfaan Ali, made this observation during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, when he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that programmes and strategies are designed and implemented to bring direct benefits to all the people.
“Of critical importance for us now is that we move forward, in not only making the 30,000 house lots available for people, but ensuring that we work strongly in every single community, so that every single resident will benefit,” he said.
According to Ali, under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)  administration, close to 100,000 house lots have already been distributed , through  a proactive system designed to address the needs of thousands who were in need of homes.
He assured that his ministry will continue to work on the foundation built with the financial and private sectors to erect homes for professional groups, including nurses, teachers, policemen and women, and doctors.
As to the role of the financial institutions in support of this drive, he said, “The banking sector has been very responsive to the government’s housing drive, and during 2008-2009, over 11, 730 mortgages, representing about $22B, had been granted for home construction. Relatively lower interest rates and longer repayment periods were facilitated and from a 9% interest in 2001, the rate had dropped to about 4.25%.”

Developing Schemes
Approximately 800 applications for land use permission for business and building purposes on the East Bank of Demerara have been processed by the Housing and Water Ministry. According to Minister Ali, this indicates the progressive development of the housing schemes.
Among the areas for which applications were processed was the new Eccles Housing Scheme, where approval was granted for the construction of more than five light industrial commercial complexes. This is expected to provide employment for about 300 persons.
The minister gave his assurance that all the planned improvements along the East Bank of Demerara are intended to further transform the corridor into an area of growth and development, and is evidence of the government’s continued efforts to invest, stimulate and motivate the economy .
The government, in 2011, surpassed its house lot distribution target of 6,500, with thousands given out on the East Bank of Demerara.
Minister Ali also explained that there are plans to expand housing areas in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) to cater for increasing demands there.
And so the Ministry of Housing is working to have an additional 400 lots available in Uitvlugt by the end of September.
Alluding to additional expansion, he said, “In addition, on the East Coast of Demerara, we are trying to acquire land to develop another 1000 lots by the end of this year. Then there is the completion of the Mabaruma housing scheme, and another 500 lots in Bartica, Region 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni).
Speaking of plans for expansion in the water sector, Minister Ali noted that through the expansion of the network countrywide, more people will have access to treated water, while the quality of water will also improve.
Continued efforts will also be made to expand access to water in hinterland communities, as well as to further develop integrated water resources management system.