IN the annals of our nation’s housing history, it’s rare to find a government initiative as comprehensive and transformative as the current housing programme led by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
In just four years, this administration has distributed over 38,000 house lots, with a goal to reach 50,000 by 2025. This achievement is not just an indication of a government ticking boxes; it’s the realisation of a bold and inclusive vision that prioritises the welfare and empowerment of all Guyanese citizens.
The backbone of this programme is not only in numbers, though they are impressive. At the heart of the PPP/C’s approach lies a genuine commitment to make homeownership a feasible dream for every Guyanese, irrespective of socio-economic status. Each house lot distributed is more than just land; it is a stake in the nation’s prosperity and a crucial platform on which citizens can build wealth and stability.
This is a contrast that is hard to ignore when compared to the previous administration’s record. Under the APNU+AFC government, the housing sector lacked the momentum and visionary investment that Guyana sorely needed. It is one thing to talk about progress, but it is another to deliver results on this scale, especially at a time when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Where others may have stalled, this government accelerated, proving that when commitment meets competence, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome.
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP, encapsulated the scope of this transformation well. He pointed to untouched landscapes now brimming with new developments, homes in regions previously neglected and a forward-thinking approach that not only addresses current housing needs, but also anticipates the future. The government’s allocation of $230 billion over four years further underscores its dedication to making affordable housing a reality for all Guyanese.
It is a testament to the PPP/C’s strategic planning that they are achieving this on a regional scale, ensuring that development is not concentrated in urban centres alone. From the Essequibo Coast to Linden, and from the Rupununi to Bartica, no region is being left out.
This inclusivity speaks to a deeper understanding of the unique needs of each community and demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gaps that have long divided our rural and urban areas.
What does this mean for Guyana’s future? The answer lies in the communities that will flourish, the small businesses that will thrive, and the families that will enjoy the security and pride that come with homeownership. This is not just about building houses; it is about building a stronger, more resilient Guyana.
To those who would downplay these achievements or chalk them up to politics as usual, the evidence speaks louder than words. The PPP/C’s housing programme is a master class in governance, demonstrating that when promises are matched with action, transformation is not just possible—it is inevitable.
As we approach 2025, it is clear that this government’s commitment to housing and economic empowerment will have a lasting impact. With their ambitious goals within reach, the PPP/C is setting a high bar for what governance can achieve in Guyana.
This is the type of leadership our country needs and deserves—a government that builds, empowers, and lays the foundation for a brighter future.