THE programmes and policies of the PPP/C administration are closely aligned to the philosophical underpinnings of the ruling party, namely that of putting people at the centre of national development.
This philosophical outlook has found expression in manifold ways such as higher disposable income, enhanced delivery of social services and continuing infrastructural works.
Take housing for example. Guyana’s housing drive is now a model for the region and beyond. Even in some of the more developed countries such as the United States, Canada and Britain, owning a home can be a challenge especially for lower and middle income earners.

Owning a home today is within reach for all Guyanese, especially young professionals. There was a time when owning a home was a distant dream. A significant number of Guyanese were resigned to living in rented homes for the remainder of their lives. Many resorted to squatting on State lands.
It was not until the PPP/C assumed power on October 1992 that the housing crisis which prevailed under the PNC regime was addressed in a meaningful way. Such was the extent of the neglect for housing that housing was removed as a line item in the National Budget under the Hoyte administration.

The much-touted “Feed, Clothe and House the Nation” during the Burnham administration turned out to be a national disaster as 13,000 housing units were built out of a promised 65,000!
The APNU+AFC record was no less dismal. During its tenure in office, it only allotted a paltry 7,000 lots which pales in comparison to the tens of thousands of lots distributed by the PPP/C administration.
Of interest to note is out of the 7,000 house lots distributed, 2,000 were given mainly to families and friends at a time when the legitimacy of the regime was in question following a successful no-confidence motion moved by the then Opposition, PPP/C.

Not only were new housing areas developed by the PPP/C, but several squatting areas were also regularised, the most notable of which is Sophia which today boasts all social amenities such as health centres, recreational parks and infrastructural development.
The fact is that housing under the previous PNC administration was nothing short of a national disaster. Yet Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had the audacity to boast of his party’s housing record which is a mere fraction of that provided by the PPP/C administration.

Housing, it must be said, is not a privilege but an integral part of our basic needs. The need for housing, like the need for food, security and clothing is essential for a fulfilling and dignified existence.
This is why housing is a front-burner issue for the PPP/C administration. In this regard, the current administration must be commended for the emphasis that is being placed in the housing sector.
At a much more fundamental level, ownership of a house is the highest form of economic security one can possibly enjoy. There is no greater joy than that of owning a home, especially for first-time owners. Housing under the PPP is indeed a success story that is worth celebrating.