–           Government’s Affordable Housing Initiative Expands to the Hinterland

THE Government of Guyana’s Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme reached another milestone on Friday, as the first 21 residents of Region One received building material vouchers to support the construction of their homes.

The distribution ceremony, held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom in Mabaruma, was led by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, alongside Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley.

The initiative, which forms part of the government’s broader push to make homeownership accessible and affordable for all Guyanese, provides each beneficiary with a $300,000 voucher to purchase steel and cement. The vouchers must be redeemed within six months at Small’s Enterprise, a registered supplier.

Minister Croal underscored that the programme offers direct and immediate benefits to citizens by easing the financial burden of home construction.

“This programme is geared towards helping or kickstarting the construction of your own home,” the Minister said, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring that families across every region—coastland and hinterland alike—can achieve the dream of homeownership.

The excitement among the recipients reflected the programme’s transformative impact. Shonella February, a mother of two, expressed deep gratitude for the assistance.

“I’m so happy because it will be able to help me build my house. I’m a single parent, and I’m so grateful for the initiative that the government offers us,” she said.

Another recipient, Dorothy Aduilar of Koberimo, who has already begun constructing her home, shared that the voucher would accelerate her progress and bring her closer to independence. “It makes me happy to know I can finally have my own home instead of living with others,” she remarked.

The first batch of Region One vouchers represents an estimated $6 million investment in the region’s housing development. Nationwide, the programme has already seen the distribution of 2,915 vouchers valued at approximately $655.8 million across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10.

Launched under the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme continues to play a central role in the government’s comprehensive housing strategy—one designed to improve living standards, empower low-income families, and promote sustainable community development across Guyana.