THE government’s plan to deliver 50,000 house lots by 2025 is bold and ambitious. This plan, off the bat, will need sustained cooperation from all stakeholders if it is to be achieved in a timely and well-coordinated fashion.The truth is that even though significant strides have been made, largely by the PPP/C government, in enabling ordinary Guyanese to become homeowners, homeownership is still a major challenge in Guyana. It is therefore commendable that the Dr Ifraan Ali government is treating this matter as a major priority, as it seeks to provide all Guyanese a better life. Undoubtedly, the last government’s housing policy was not fair and apolitical in form and approach, when it came to meeting the underlying needs of all Guyanese. It spent too much time talking and ‘cozening up’ with housing contractors than serving the people most in need. The homes that were built by the former government were inadequate and below expectations. And there have been reports that the construction works on them are substandard. This aside, the community roads and drainage in certain areas were left without proper maintenance. And eventually, they fell into a state of disrepair.

With a change in the government, things have changed. We can ill-afford to go back to those policies that did not work or have the desired outcomes.
In attaining the house lot distribution target, it will also require that the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority place attention on the applications that have been languishing in its systems for years. Tackling this backlog, while ensuring that it stays on top with the new applications in the system is not an easy task, but the young ministers of housing have quickly proven that they could not only deliver on time, but beyond expectations.
It is also encouraging that steps have been taken to ensure that the processing of houselots is fair, reliable, and transparent. This is vital to helping to remove the perception of bias in the distribution of houselots that was very much evident under the previous administration.
It goes without saying that all Guyanese who apply for houselots must be considered, once they meet the requirements outlined by the Housing Ministry.

Equally important is the need for heightened vigilance to ensure the integrity of the system from any unscrupulous acts, as uncovered by this government in the first few months in office.
Importantly too, managing all the stakeholders is essential to achieving the goal of delivering 50, 000 houselots to the people of Guyana.
Once the houselots are delivered, building is expected to commence sooner rather than later and here is where attention has to be paid to contractors.
A strong stance should be taken against all contractors who are shoddy and delinquent in their work, that will discourage others from underperforming.
Houses built must be safe and durable whether for the low-income, middle-income or upper classes and this must be non-negotiable.
Through the Dream Realised initiative, thousands of houselots have been delivered across Guyana in just a matter of months and no doubt, the government is well on the road to delivering on its manifesto promises on housing. Guyana is set for a newer look and to becoming a country where citizens enjoy a better life for generations to come.