Housing Ministry seeks to foster community spirit…
The Ministry of Housing and Water is focused not only on creating settlements by providing house lots and basic infrastructure, but also on establishing sustainable communities through an integrated development plan.
Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, yesterday received street signs for the Diamond Housing Scheme from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), and resident, Ron Robinson. The project was the brainchild of Robinson, a television personality who succeeded in attracting support from the bank.
Minister Ali stated that the project offers government the advantage of expanding public/private partnerships with corporate citizens and provides opportunities for communities to work together towards a common goal.
He stressed that maintenance of the signs is a critical role of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and underscored the importance of community spirit in safeguarding its assets.
The Housing Minister noted that persons must begin to identify with where they live so as to raise their sense of responsibility for its upkeep.
“We must seriously consider changing mindsets on the way we treat the environment. People have grown accustomed to a culture of lawlessness and disregard for the environment,” he said.
Minister Ali pointed out that every new structure adds to the wealth of the community which has a key role in preserving its heritage.
“As Guyanese, we have a cultural problem of mistreating our investment. There are many instances of vandalism by persons who may not even be aware of the cost attached to such infrastructure.”
Minister Ali said Guyanese must find a means of creating a sense of ownership and responsibility so that assets can be cared for.
He commended GBTI for its input in several housing projects and for setting the standard of corporate partnerships.
The Housing Minister also showered praises on Robinson for his sterling contribution to the community as a concerned resident.
In brief remarks, Robinson commented that when he first saw a map of Diamond Housing Scheme, his first reaction was one of confusion.
It was then that he decided to have all north to south lanes deemed avenues and identified the streets as those running the other way.
He disclosed that the streets are named after local birds while the avenues are numerically ordered, stating that GBTI responded willingly when contacted for assistance and support.
GBTI’s Customer Care and Business Development Officer, Roma Singh, said the streets were already in the process of being named when Robinson approached and asked for assistance. GBTI was delighted at the opportunity to participate.
Community Development Specialist at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Donell Bess-Bascom, said the authority has a mandate to move away from just creating settlements and work with stakeholders to promote development and growth in a strategic way.
Her sentiments were echoed by CH&PA’s Senior Planning Officer, Andrea Smith, who noted that they are liaising with groups and private sector entities to encourage an integrated plan and approach with the aim of taking the initiative to other communities.
“It sets a precedent; it shows other schemes that we are willing to facilitate community projects and work with them to set up policing groups and other such ventures,” Smith remarked. (GINA)