— over $1.6B invested in housing, infrastructural improvements along West Bank of Demerara under IDB-funded programme

RESIDENTS of Onderneeming and surrounding communities in Region Three now have access to a $180 million recreational facility, as the Government continues to invest in infrastructure aimed at improving living conditions, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community development.
The Onderneeming Community Facility, which features a basketball court, recreational field, children’s play area and multipurpose building, was officially commissioned on Friday by Minister of Housing Collin Croal.
The project was executed under the Ministry of Housing–Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Croal underscored the Government’s commitment to ensuring that national development goes beyond the construction of roads, bridges and houses to include facilities that improve the quality of life of citizens.
“Development is much more than just the infrastructure that we build. It is about the difference that infrastructure makes in people’s lives,” the minister stated.
He explained that community facilities play an important role in fostering social interaction, encouraging recreational activities and providing safe environments where children, young people and families can spend time together.
The minister also highlighted the significant investments made under the AHUAP along the West Bank of Demerara, where approximately $1.607 billion has been expended on housing support and infrastructure improvements.

These interventions include the rehabilitation and upgrading of roads, construction of reinforced concrete drains and culverts, concrete sidewalks, cleaning of earthen drains and the development of community facilities.
Additionally, more than 200 Core Homes have been handed over to beneficiaries, while 242 Home Improvement subsidies have been disbursed to assist families in improving their living conditions.
The investments form part of the Government’s wider efforts to improve infrastructure and expand access to adequate housing, particularly in low-income communities.
Minister Croal urged residents to take ownership of the newly commissioned facility and ensure that it is properly maintained for the benefit of future generations.
He called on the facility’s Management Committee and members of the community to work collectively to safeguard the infrastructure and maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.
Meanwhile, IDB Resident Representative Lorena Solorzano-Salazar reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve living conditions and promote sustainable community development.
She emphasised that even as technology continues to transform how people communicate, physical spaces that encourage face-to-face interaction remain essential to building stronger communities.
Solorzano-Salazar also stressed that the long-term benefits of the investment would depend heavily on proper maintenance and responsible use of the facility.
The newly commissioned complex includes a multipurpose building and pavilion equipped with washrooms, including facilities for persons living with disabilities, changing rooms and water storage.
Other features include a white-sand recreational field, basketball court, children’s play area, perimeter fencing, sliding gates, access bridges, a security hut and an internal parking area.

The facility is also equipped with solar-powered LED floodlights, external lighting, concrete drainage, landscaped surroundings and perimeter walkways.
During the commissioning ceremony, the facility was formally handed over to the Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), with Chairman Paul Ramrattan receiving it on behalf of the council.
Also attending were Minister within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn; Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen; Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube; and Parliamentary Secretary Thandi McAllister.
The AHUAP, which concluded in December 2025, was implemented with an overall budget of $5.8 billion and targeted low-income communities across Georgetown and surrounding areas.
Beneficiary communities included La Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara, communities between Georgetown and Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, areas between Georgetown and La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara, and 19 communities between Mon Repos and Haslington.
The programme sought to improve access to essential infrastructure, enhance housing conditions and create more inclusive, sustainable communities.
With the commissioning of the Onderneeming facility, residents now have an additional space for sporting activities, community gatherings and recreational programmes, further strengthening the social infrastructure available to families in Region Three.