HUNDREDS of allottees in the De Endragt Phase Two Housing Development on the East Coast of Demerara are expected to gain access to and identify their houselots within days as infrastructural works near completion in several sections of the scheme, according to Housing Minister Collin Croal.
Minister Croal, accompanied by engineers, engineering technicians, clerks of works, and contractors, conducted a site inspection on Monday to assess progress and engage contractors responsible for delayed works within the development.
During the visit, the minister announced that persons assigned temporary lot numbers 409 to 604 will be able to access and identify their lands during the coming week, as surveyors are currently installing paals to demarcate the house lots.
He further disclosed that infrastructural works for allottees with temporary lot numbers 605 to 733 are expected to be completed by the end of May, allowing those beneficiaries to identify their lands by the second week of June.
Croal noted that one contractor previously behind schedule had significantly improved progress over the past week, enabling the ministry to proceed with surveying activities in that section of the housing scheme.
However, the minister acknowledged continued delays affecting allottees assigned temporary lot numbers 164 to 408, stating that the contractor responsible has already been formally warned over the slow pace of works.
“We’ve expressed our total displeasure on the rate at which the work is ongoing. In fact, we do not see the evidence of the level of work that is required to be able to bring on par or even to catch up,” Croal said during the inspection.
He revealed that the Central Housing and Planning Authority has already begun imposing liquidated damages on two contractors who failed to meet contractual deadlines and is considering additional measures to ensure the timely completion of outstanding infrastructural works.
Despite the setbacks, the minister said the government remains committed to completing all Phase Two infrastructural works by the end of June.
Croal also appealed to affected allottees for patience, noting that the ministry remains aware of public concerns and is actively monitoring contractors to accelerate delivery of the development.