EIGHTEEN families from the border town of Lethem, Region Nine received the keys to their homes under the Lethem Housing Support Programme.

The beneficiaries received their keys following a simple ceremony early Saturday morning, which was held in the compound of the Regional Housing Office.

On the occasion, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal was joined by Mayor of Lethem John Macedo, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, Regional Executive Officer Carl Singh and other regional representatives.

Minister Croal, in his address to the beneficiaries, noted his government’s commitment to ensuring affordable houses for all Guyanese.

He added that these and other investments in Region Nine should be seen as investments in improving the quality of life for hinterland families.

Additionally, the reference was also made to the spin-off benefits these investments bring to the region.

“These investments also aid in building and strengthening village economies. We use labour from the communities and villages such as Kwatamang, Shulinab, Shea, Moco Moco, St. Ignatius, and Surama to provide the clay bricks and timber.”

The combined total of the investment made on the homes that were handed over today stands at $53M. Each home is valued at approximately $3M, of which $1M is support in the form of clay bricks and timber, given by the Ministry and $2M through a partnership with financial institutions.

The units measure 550 square ft. and feature two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a lavatory area.

Meanwhile, the regional representatives all lauded the initiative, noting their satisfaction at seeing the initiative to this final stage.

Additionally, as the programme continues, contracts have been signed for another 40 housing units to be constructed in the Tract CHPA Housing Scheme.

This programme is the brainchild of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who some time ago announced the heavily subsidised initiative for some 600 low-income families.