–modalities for project finalized; Housing Ministry moves to tender

PERSONS constructing homes costing up to $25 million will soon be able to benefit from cement and steel as part of the government’s homebuilders support initiative.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, said the government is expected to invest approximately $700 million into the programme by the end of the year.

In July, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced that persons constructing homes costing $6 million or less, will be given the steel needed and one sling of cement for construction of the foundation. For home builders spending $6 million to $25 million, the government will provide two slings of cement.

Greaves said that the modalities of the programme have been worked out and the ministry is now moving to the tendering stage, where it will be seeking out suppliers to provide the materials to qualified persons.

“We want to make this process as transparent as possible, so we are moving to a process of tendering. But, most importantly, we want to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance and so we will go all across the regions,” the CEO said in a comment on the sidelines of the launch of the Bartica, Region Seven, housing programme, on Tuesday.

He added: “And so, let’s say for example as we are in Region Seven here today, we want all the suppliers of cement and steel in Region Seven to be given a chance to tender for this programme.”

Greaves pointed out that once a person owns land and has a housing plan, and approached the bank for a loan to commence construction, they will be supplied with the materials.

Qualified persons will be issued with a voucher to purchase the materials at selected merchants.

“Persons must be aware that we will have officers following up to ensure that they receive what they are supposed to receive and they utilise it to the fullest,” the CEO said.

Greaves related that the programme is ongoing, so those persons who are yet to approach the banks for loans or are still waiting to identify their lands will benefit from the programme.

The initiative adds to the host of measures already implemented by the PPP/C government to ensure citizens are allowed to achieve homeownership in keeping with its manifesto promise. (DPI)