THE government is currently constructing 40 turn-key houses at Five Miles Housing Scheme, Phase II, in Region Seven, which are expected to be completed by the end of September.

This was according to Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The government’s turn-key housing initiative is being accelerated to provide affordable housing solutions to Guyanese across the country; and Bartica, Minister Croal indicated, is no exception.

“The 40 houses are 15 per cent complete and by the end of September, we expect them to be completed. These are three bedrooms, flat houses. [construction] would move very quickly. We have invested in that area about $495 million for the houses,” Minister Croal said.

He continued, “The process [turn-key initiative] is whereby persons are able to prequalify [for the houses] and [will] be able to pay for them through the bank.”

Apart from the construction of these houses, the ministry has also allocated house lots to some 150 allottees.

This 99-acre housing scheme yields over 300 serviced lots.
It is located in proximity to the Bartica Airstrip and will feature residential and commercial lots, a community service centre and recreational spaces.

The government is subsidising the housing scheme, thereby ensuring that the allottees have access to the necessary amenities. As such, over $1 billion is being expended on infrastructure works such as drainage and road networks.

“The infrastructure work is about 80 per complete,” Minister Croal added. The housing scheme will be connected directly to the Bartica/Potaro Road and the incoming Aruwai-Teperu Road, thereby enhancing road access and other opportunities for residents, miners and commuters. (DPI)