SOME 700 Region Five residents are now one step closer to being home-owners as they have been allocated house lots in the Shieldstown Housing Scheme.

The low-income and moderate-income lots were distributed during a Ministry of Housing and Water ‘Dream Realised’ distribution exercise, which was held at Shieldstown Community Centre Ground.
In his address to the large gathering, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, noted that, in less than one year, approximately 1,100 lots have been allocated in the region as part of the administration’s promise to make housing accessible, and to distribute 50,000 house lots within five years.

In early 2022, 400 house lots were distributed at Bath, taking the total to date to 1,100 allocations for this year alone.

He said that, while the region does not have a lot of pending applications, the ministry is continuously seeking additional lands to satisfy the demand.

The ministry has allocated approximately 18,000 house lots throughout the country in just over two years.

While noting the significance of this accomplishment, the minister said that it was President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s dynamic leadership that has created opportunities for citizens.

“He has repeatedly said the guidance and the infrastructure developments that are taking place now, and the planning that is taking place, [are] all geared to 2030 and beyond. We know what we will be delivering by time this first term is up. We said to you we will deliver 50,000 house lots and that will be achieved and more,” he added.

The minister announced that a number of projects forms part of the planned infrastructural developments for the region and these will be included in the 2023 budget.

He informed the residents that roads, drainage, culverts, electricity and water connections are among the target areas.

Additionally, he said that some 1,200 roads across the region will be upgraded. Currently, they are being evaluated and contracts will soon be awarded.

As it related to access to water, Minister Croal noted that, in addition to the 970 residents who have received portable water for the first time, those with existing access will benefit from an improved water quality.

“Region Five is no exception where it comes to addressing [the] quality of water being delivered. So while some persons in the creeks and the far end areas complain about first time access…we have been addressing [that]. When we ask you about your water, you will tell us about the colour and the quality that is being addressed as part of a $25 billion coastal water treatment programme that has already started. You saw a month ago we witnessed the contract signing for the seven first new water treatment plants and here in Region Five for example, a large water treatment will be constructed at Bath for about US$8.4 million which will address more than 23,500 residents in Region Five,” he added.

TARGET WILL BE SURPASSED
Meanwhile, Minister Croal noted that government anticipates that it will easily surpass the 50,000 house lots target.

In fact, he pointed out that the construction of houses, which cater for all income levels, is moving ahead with great success.

He noted that this wasn’t part of the manifesto promise but given the government’s vision, they decided to build the houses and partner with the private sector to make home ownership easier for citizens.

The minister said that since taking office, some 600 houses of various sizes and types were completed.

“In addition to that … at least another 1,100 have started so we are not talking about dreams, we’re talking about things you could physically go and check,” he said adding that in another two to three months, another 1,600 houses would have been constructed through the housing programme.

Also giving remarks was Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.

She said that the government should be able to fulfil the request of every housing applicant in Region Five.

“This region as compared to other regions does not have a huge backlog. There is a backlog but it’s not a huge backlog as compared to some of the other regions. I believe that by the time we get to 2025, we will be able to satisfy every single person who has an outstanding application, and so that is the type of development that your government has been ensuring that we deliver over the past two years and that we will continue to deliver over the next three years,” she added.

As she reflected on administration’s achievements since taking office, Minister Rodrigues assured residents that much more is in store for them as the government continues to work to improve their living standards.

“We have been making policies and implementing programmes and fostering relationships with the private sector to ensure that we move you through the process of allocation to agreement of sale to securing a mortgage so that you could build your home. We want you to be able to make full use of your house lot. We want you to be able to occupy as quickly as possible so we have an aggressive infrastructure programme that is ongoing and we want you to live a full and wholesome life in your communities,” she added.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal noted that he has seen tremendous progress in the housing sector. He said he was happy that the people of the region will be comfortably housed in their own homes.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ali and Member of Parliament, Faizal Jafferally, were also in attendance.