IN a heart-warming display of progress and community upliftment, Essequibians from all walks of life have expressed their deep appreciation for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s unwavering commitment to making home ownership a reality.
Through the government’s comprehensive housing initiative, residents are not only receiving house lots, but also much-needed assistance to begin construction through the steel-and-cement programme.
During a recent two-day outreach in the Cinderella County, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Minister Within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, engaged with beneficiaries, handing over Agreements of Sale, Certificates of Title and vouchers for construction materials as part of the government’s ‘Dreams Realised’ initiative.
The event was a testament to the administration’s dedication to providing sustainable housing solutions for Guyanese families.

FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNERS
For many, the moment of receiving their land allocation was an emotional milestone. Alvin Soamandaugh, a first-time allottee from Onderneeming Village, shared his joy at the prospect of finally owning a piece of land.
“I applied around 2018-2019. I’ve always been fascinated by owning land and since a young age, I have always wanted to be a home-owner. It was something that I have looked forward to,” Soamandaugh expressed. “I was very excited and it was very prompt; I didn’t expect to get through so quickly. First, I want to go see the land and then maybe start construction.”
For Indira Doliveira, another first-time allottee from Bounty Hall, the opportunity to own a home represents newfound independence and a step toward a stable future.

“I applied about four years ago when I was living with my in-laws. Now, I want my home for myself. In the future, I want to get married and move on, so I want to be a proud home-owner,” Doliveira said.

MAKING HOME OWNERSHIP MORE AFFORDABLE
Beyond providing house lots, the government’s cement-and-steel programme has been a lifeline for many, reducing the financial burden of construction. Gregory Tyrell, one of the beneficiaries in Region Two, expressed his gratitude for the assistance, noting that the voucher he received would allow him to expand his home without excessive financial strain.
“Right now, I am feeling extremely excited and fortunate because it will help me a lot in terms of reducing the amount of money spent on material costs,” Tyrell shared. “As you know, cement and stone and these things are very expensive. This will take me very far… I live in a very small house, and I am trying to do some extension.”

Similarly, Myrtle Vanlange and Clentus Da Silva found that the vouchers arrived at a critical moment in their home-ownership journey. Vanlange, who has been renting for years despite owning a house lot, sees this assistance as the push she needed to start construction.
“I have my land in Onderneeming Sand Pit and I’m so happy I got my voucher today because I want to start building. I have had my house lot for more than 10 years now, and it was very difficult to afford building costs. That’s why I asked for help [from the government], and now my children will also assist me,” Vanlange said.

For Da Silva, the assistance is invaluable as he embarks on building a new home following the passing of his wife.
“I want to build a house, a 30×20 cement house. I live alone because my wife passed away… I feel glad that I received this help. It will be a good support since building a house costs a couple of million. Now. I can use my money otherwise to help make up,” he stated.
The ‘Dream Realised’ initiative continues to transform lives, reinforcing the government’s promise to provide affordable housing opportunities for Guyanese. As Minister Collin Croal and Minister Susan Rodrigues emphasised during the outreach, the administration remains committed to creating sustainable communities where every citizen has a chance to build a future in a house they can call their own.

With continuous investment in housing programmes, Essequibo residents are now witnessing tangible results that promise long-term economic and social benefits. For many, home ownership is no longer just a dream—it is now a reality.