THE Re-migrants Housing Scheme, at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara, is currently in the first phase of development with roads being built to facilitate persons constructing their homes. According to the Senior Engineer at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Mr. Fazal Wahab, despite a setback in the first phase of works, the Authority is working with the contractors to expedite the completion of this part of the project.
“In the first phase of development, the roads have been completed to crusher run surface to give easier access to those persons constructing their homes. Despite a slight setback on the first phase, half of the area has been completed,” he said.
He further related that phase two will involve surfacing of the road with asphaltic concrete, and construction of drains and sidewalks. This programme targets overseas-based Guyanese who are eager to return to Guyana and own their own homes.
Initially, the ministry had issued 300 house lots to applicants who applied online, but some 500 are being developed under this scheme at Providence, two kilometres away from the East Bank Demerara Public Road.
According to a release from the Housing Ministry, it is an investment of $420M. The CHPA engineer highlighted that one of the major challenges in developing these new housing areas is the availability of electricity. This, he said, contributes to the low occupancy levels in new and developing housing areas.
“The major challenge in these areas is electricity. We are exploring the possibility of collaborating with the GPL so that the Ministry of Housing can supply electricity to these developments,” Wahab explained.
He further said that the housing schemes are being developed under the Housing Ministry and the CHPA in a holistic context, and not limited to the development of roads, drains and house lots.
In the meantime, overseas-based Guyanese can get more information on the “Remigrants Scheme” project at www.chpa.gov.gy, and sign up for an account after which they can apply for the house lot by filling up the form provided.