SEVERAL families in Sophia were given a good start to the Christmas season when they collected the keys to their brand-new core homes from the Ministry of Housing and Water.

Some residents also received certificates which will pave the way for home improvements.

Additionally, a new community facility was commissioned in Sector ‘C’ Turkeyen.

While speaking with the Guyana Chronicle shortly after the handing over ceremony, Himwattie Kishun of ‘C’ Field Sophia could not stop expressing her immense gratitude to government and the ministry.

“I’m so so happy; I can’t say how happy and excited I am,” the elderly woman said as she related that she wants to move into her new home in time for the Christmas celebrations.

Rudolph Dowding, a father of four, expressed similar sentiments.

“It feels good to get a house for me and my family,” he told this publication.

Meanwhile, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, in brief remarks expressed government’s commitment to implementing long-term solutions to improve the community’s environment.

To accompany the core homes project, upgrades to several access roads, drains and walkways were also undertaken by the Ministry.

“We have invested over $846 million … on infrastructure work here. Likewise, the [community] ground here has been constructed and that is for the facility to the tune of $51 million and investment for a multipurpose recreational facility,” he told residents.

Minister within Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, who was also at the distribution exercise, reiterated the government’s commitment to building the community’s net worth.

“We are also giving residents in Sophia, the opportunity to improve their equity, to improve their net worth because they are now integrated into a bigger housing scheme,” she said.