THE Ministry of Housing and Water yesterday launched the 4th International Building Exposition at the Guyana

National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The Exposition was launched under the theme ‘Consolidating Partnerships for Sustainable Development’.
The gala opening ceremony saw thousands in attendance, including Acting President Sam Hinds, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Members of the Private Sector, Civil Society, Diplomatic Corp, as well as scores of local and overseas exhibitors.
Giving remarks at the opening ceremony, Minister of Housing and Water Mr Irfaan Ali took pride in underscoring the fact that, the Housing Sector in Guyana has grown exponentially over the years, so much so that there is a virtual ‘building boom’ in Guyana.
This tremendous growth in the sector, according to Minister Ali, is part of Government’s overall plan to create “a winning environment” so that Guyana can become a champion.
“We must build tomorrow’s infrastructure today…therefore major projects that the Government is engaged in now will definitely boost Guyana’s economy,” Ali declared.
Ali noted that a lot of investments from the public and private sectors are being channelled into the three-day event.
With regard to the investments being made, he emphasised that to get the expo to the standard it is, and to have all the exhibits and replicas, investors are piping in close to US$1.5M or even more.
“The private sector has come on board in a strong way, particularly the local and private developers,” Minister Ali said.
The Expo is currently seeing participation from international companies from Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, the United States, Canada and Barbados. Minister Ali is very optimistic about the success of this Fourth Expo due to the tremendous level of enthusiasm and interest shown to the annual mega event. “We hope that Expo Four brings to the exhibitors and consumers full satisfaction,” he told reporters on Thursday, during a tour ahead of yesterday’s gala opening.
This fourth event, he said, has outdone its predecessors, and this is as a result of greater interest. “For instance, the ministry has had to turn away a lot of large exhibitors because of time (they were late) and in terms of readiness and being on schedule,” he said.
“People, during this Expo, can expect to be blown away and there are a lot of deals and opportunities for new home owners,” Minister Ali said.
This year’s Expo focuses on the building of more local and foreign partnerships with the aim of diversifying the manufacturing base, while at the same time ensuring sustainable development.
Silica City will be the first real initiative which will take industry, commerce and residential housing to higher grounds. Silica City offers a sustainable and viable solution for the country’s housing needs.
The Building and Construction Exposition have exhibits from suppliers of hardware, electrical suppliers and contractors, construction and engineering companies, sawmillers and lumber dealers, housing developers and real estate agencies, furniture manufacturers and suppliers, and suppliers of paints and household items.
The Housing Minister applauded the Banking Sector, Hardware Stores and the Contracting Services among others for their contribution in the development of the Housing Sector in Guyana.
The feature address at last evening’s opening ceremony was delivered by Prime Minister and Acting President Mr. Sam Hinds. There was also a rich cultural programme.
The Building Exposition will continue today and tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium. Gates will open from 14:00hrs.
(Kindly see comprehensive story in our Sunday edition tomorrow)