–young GDF soldier says, impressed by govt’s aggressive housing drive
–other residents grateful for ease, opportunities which houses provide

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

HOME OWNERSHIP provides numerous benefits that go beyond just having a place to live. For the residents of the new phase of the Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, this translates to enhanced financial security, stronger community ties, and a deeper sense of personal fulfillment.
Some 100 homes were constructed at the new phase of the Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme – which is equipped with effective drainage systems, bridges, as well as water and electricity services.

Jose Angel, 27, who is a member of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), related that he never thought that he would have been able to own a house and lot together at this stage in his career.

Angel, who resides in his house alone at the moment, stated that after he heard of the initiative he decided to start the process after which he was able to acquire both the lot and the core two-bedroom house at a cost of $5.5 million.
He said: “Basically you had a month waiting for title, your agreement of sales, then they had a survey where housing had to check make sure everything was okay but it wasn’t hard.”

According to the young man, the pace and process at which the works were carried out to ensure that the house and lot was handed over with the titles was extremely smooth and impressive.
“It’s a very good initiative by the government. Basically it’s been very beneficial for young people like myself, if you have to be waiting on a land and then process to build a house it’s a while, this we were able to move in. To be honest, I didn’t think I would own a home already,” Angel said.

Another resident, rice farmer, Dwarknath Baljit, 56, who moved in to the location “couple months ago,” said previously he resided with his wife at a camp on his rice field in the Canje Area. However, his wife heard about the process and went through the necessary process.
“To be honest, me ain’t know nothing about the process, she (wife) did everything, everything and she was so happy when we move in. I get my rice after New Forest and I get a small camp there but this house comfortable, it very good,” he said.

The residents are all eagerly awaiting the main access road within the community to be done. “Lots of people want to come live here, lots of people want.”
He added: “The government very good, no complain, since they come back we proud of them.”

80-year-old, Barbara Connelly, said that her daughter, who works with a security service, acquired the house after which she moved in with her.

She said: “This is the first time she own her own house, I’m very proud of her and its very good, she’s trying and whatever I have I would try help so we are very glad for the opportunity. It’s a really good initiative, it depends on the amount of family going into one place but people are benefiting.”

Another resident, Anil Lionel, 31, who is living with a disability, said that he is at home while his parents go to work.

He said, his family was extremely happy to buy the house as he is comfortable and secured.
Lionel said: “I does sit out here and when place hot me gone inside but most times we deh outside here… The house nice, it really nice.”