THE Government’s hinterland housing programme has targeted the construction of 330 houses across Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, with 220 already completed and a further 110 under construction, the Ministry of Housing said on Thursday.
The update was provided by Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, during a presentation on the Ministry’s Hinterland Housing Initiatives at the National Toshaos Council Conference.
The programme has so far benefitted approximately 1,200 people in 32 villages by improving housing conditions and providing families with greater security.
Minister Benn said the Government remains committed to ensuring that Amerindian families have access to safe, durable and affordable homes despite the challenges associated with delivering housing in remote communities.
“Despite challenges, the Government ensures our hinterland brothers and sisters live in dignity,” she said.
The presentation outlined the objectives of the Hinterland Housing Programme, which include improving the quality of life of residents, providing full housing subsidies to eligible beneficiaries, promoting sustainable homeownership and creating employment opportunities through the use of locally available materials and labour.
Minister Benn also provided an update on the Lethem Housing Support and Home Construction Programme, which was launched in 2022 and targets 600 families.
The presentation also highlighted the latest housing initiative announced by Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during the National Toshaos Conference, under which $3 billion will be invested this year to assist Amerindian families with the construction of new homes and repairs to existing houses.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with Village Councils and community oversight committees, with mechanisms intended to promote transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of the assistance.
Minister Benn was supported during the presentation by Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen; Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Dr Martin Pertab; Director of Community Development, Gladwin Charles; and Senior Hinterland Engineer, Cy Rodrigues.
The Ministry said the initiatives reflect the Government’s people-centred approach to development and its commitment to ensuring that families across Guyana, including those in remote hinterland communities, have opportunities to access quality housing and improve their standard of living.
The investments are also expected to contribute to the development of stronger and more resilient communities through improved housing, local employment and greater household security.
