THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) is expected to make the promotion of safe construction materials a priority at its upcoming housing exposition, May 26 to the 29. This was disclosed by Project Manager, Kennard Dazzle during a media tour of the construction site at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara on Monday.

Dazzel told the media that following Minister Valerie Patterson’s visit to Poland, where she was introduced to special safety construction materials, the developers have since been invited to participate in the housing exposition to construct prefab homes made out of fireproof materials. The Polish will develop their version of low- and middle-income homes with the materials.

Another company, Canadian Caribe, located in Ruimveldt Gardens, is also expected to construct homes using other safety materials. In their version of the home, the company is said to be using PVC-like material that will also be used in framing the homes. This material is said to be fire-resistant and demonstrations on how these materials work are expected at the expo.

Concern was raised regarding security against fires, particularly where the provision of duplex houses were concerned. The Housing Ministry has however declared their interest in making fireproof and other safe construction materials an integral part of the sector. With a number of houses already in their final stages of completion, housing officials highlighted various types of the model homes, ranging from single homes, duplexes to elevated houses that come in timber or concrete.

Dazzle explained that almost all the buildings are bigger than the Turn-Key homes, except for the single 600sq ft. homes which carry the same size. He explained that the duplexes range up to as much as 1500 sq. ft. They come at ground level, while others come elevated. The elevated duplexes take up the same space as the Turn-Key, but provide for the construction of the lower flats. Likewise, some single homes, are also built flat or elevated for personal development by the home owner.

The new housing solutions are also providing some cost benefits to potential beneficiaries. Dazzle said this is because the homes are being developed as a package based on the price ranges provided by the Ministry. Some developers are therefore constructing the homes move-in ready with tiled floors, fittings, fencing and casted yards. “Beneficiaries might be able to save as much as $2 to $3 million,” Dazzle estimated. The tiny Turn Key homes were offered at $4.9m per unit with very little amenities. These home owners have highlighted that the added features are running them into thousands and millions of dollars.

Dazzle noted however that based on the price range and the category of home, the developer will only provide such facilities if it is within the budgeted range for the home. All the model homes will have necessary additions such as sealed ceilings and other conveniences. Dazzle noted that while these features may seem minor, they are among the issues faced by Turn Key homeowners since many homes are infested with bats, other animals and insects.

Lelon Saul, CPHA’s Chief Executive Officer, who led the media tour, explained that despite the defects with the Turn Key properties there is no intent to abandon the project, only to make it better where necessary. “We are constructing duplexes, town houses and are constructing single-units and of course we are giving out service lots. So it is not just one solution, we are not abandoning anything. We are catering to the greater needs of the people.”

Currently, some 400 men are working at the model home site, with at least 100 employed to construct the eight homes being done by the ministry. Contractors said they employed many persons from various areas, some from deprived areas. Some contractors also expressed gratitude after highlighting much difficulty in gaining such government jobs previously. The Guyana Chronicle was told that more housing projects will commence in 10 locations across six regions soon. Apart from the construction of these homes, Dazzle said the government is also ensuring the provision of electricity and water in the relevant locations.