FOURTEEN small business owners were the recipients of financial compensation on Friday, under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP)—specifically through its Livelihood Restoration Plan. These individuals, recognised as Project Affected Persons (PAPs), faced financial setbacks due to ongoing infrastructure developments in their community.
The disbursement ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Brickdam Headquarters, saw a total payout of approximately $2.5 million to these business owners.
The event was attended by key government officials including Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves.
Minister Rodrigues expressed her satisfaction with this phase of the AHUAP, emphasising its critical role in supporting the affected business community amidst ongoing infrastructure upgrades. She highlighted the programme’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and ensuring that all components, including livelihood restoration, receive due attention alongside broader development efforts.
Minister Croal echoed those sentiments, urging the beneficiaries to maximise their compensation and leverage the upcoming training opportunities. The 14 business owners will receive training in Entrepreneurial Awareness, Financial Management and Record Keeping, Small Business Development, Taxation, and Business Regularisation, facilitated by the Small Business Bureau and the Guyana Revenue Authority.
“While the financial compensation will provide immediate relief, the training will empower you to sustain and grow your businesses effectively,” Minister Croal emphasised during the ceremony.
The disbursement event also highlighted the government’s broader investment in the West Bank Demerara area, totalling $3 billion under the AHUAP. This investment includes critical upgrades to community roads and drainage systems, aimed at enhancing living conditions and infrastructure resilience in the region.
The Livelihood Restoration Plan, operating under Component 1.2 of the AHUAP, aims to ensure that individuals economically displaced by programme activities have their socio-economic conditions restored or improved. The plan underscores principles of transparency, consistency, and equity in its implementation, ensuring fair treatment for all affected parties.
