-more than $100M to be invested for construction of starter homes
MORE than $100M will be invested in Region One for the development of core houses (starter homes) for several Amerindian communities under the Second Low Income Settlement Programme.
Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali made this announcement while responding to queries from residents of the Mabaruma and Matarkai Sub-districts about housing development for the area during a visit to the region recently.
Communities identified for such intervention will include Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Wauna, Tobago Hill, White Water and Manawarin.
“We have been discussing with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs our strategy for Region One because Region One is one of the areas that we are looking towards investing tremendously in terms of this housing programme… we are looking to invest more than $300M in hinterland communities,” Minister Ali stated.
The Minister explained that it is the first time the Ministry is embarking on such venture to develop community oriented planning in hinterland communities.
It was noted that local knowledge, technology and materials that are feasible will be utilised for the development of the core homes in hinterland communities.
“What we want to do, too, is to ensure that we utilize as much local labour and local materials as far as possible…We are hoping that this programme can be launched before August,” the Minister said.
It is also anticipated that this initiative will foster the concept of community planning, shared infrastructure to the pilot communities in the hinterland areas so that amenities can be more accessible as people come together and live in a community oriented fashion.
The Housing and Water Minister noted that design options for the project have been completed and submitted to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for approval.
He said once these designs are approved by the IDB, the Ministry will have the project out to tender and have the process move forward.
“This is exciting news and this, of course, is part of government’s wider commitment to ensuring equity in resources, in ensuring that the living standards and living conditions of our people are uplifted,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted that the programme is a pilot and that his Ministry will work towards expanding it to other communities.
In addition, approximately 80 core houses will be developed in Regions 3, 4 and 6 out of a total of 400 houses which will be built over the next three to four years.
The Programme which will cost Government approximately US$27.9M will enhance the living conditions of low-income families through improved access to affordable housing.