IN a concerted effort to enhance housing accessibility and support home construction projects, the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, recently explained that they are resolute in ensuring that Guyanese from every region benefit from the government’s Dream Realise Housing drive.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Croal expressed his satisfaction with the housing programme’s advancement in the new housing scheme at Five Miles, Bartica, Region Seven.

According to him, home-ownership is more than just allocation for this government; it provides housing solutions that reflect Guyana’s rich values and culture.

According to the minister, most of the Central Bartica residents have been living in rented properties for years. He is pleased that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government is able to give them and other Guyanese the opportunity to own property.

Minister Croal stated that while the Ministry of Housing and Water, in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority, completed the allocation procedure in the new area earlier this year, he was delighted to learn that they were also building houses at the location.

“This new area is a prime location, meaning that it isn’t far from the airstrip and other important places that people may need to access. All of our housing programmes are aimed at touching every region in one way or another.

“Recently we were in Madhia for the commencing process for the development of another new housing area, and so it is similar for Bartica. While it may seem at times that we are not touching your area as much as I should, I want you to know that we are working for everyone, and sometimes we have to have patience; everything cannot be done at once,” Minister Croal said.
The housing minister went on to say that although they have already assigned about 132 applicants to Bartica, there are approximately 500 applications still pending.

He also stated that while a number of people have requested house lots in Region Four, the government has been working on developing and opening lots in all regions so as to accommodate everyone who is eligible.

Additionally, Minister Croal stated that the initiative, which is supported by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, intends to assist the people of Guyana in fulfilling their dream of home-ownership, whether on private or government-allocated land.

With the significant investment of the government, Minister Croal also added that the municipality of Bartica and the surrounding areas are undergoing significant development.

According to him, many aspects of the people’s lives were being improved by the housing investments as well as the infrastructural developments that connect Bartica to the interior and other areas.

Finally, Minister Croal added, “Region Seven is just as important as any other region in Guyana, and we are a government that has proven time and time again that we are working for all of our people in all regions of Guyana.”