300 Berbicians receive house lots in Region Six

—as Dream Realised closes for 2020

At least 300 Berbicians are now in receipt of new house lots, as the Dream Realised: House Lot Allocation ended for the year in Region Six on Tuesday.

The event, hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, was held at the University of Guyana Tain Campus.

Mr. Dilip Jabar, who was the first to receive his house lot, said he is thankful to the Ministry since he has three children who need more space.

“I live by my mom…this really means a lot to us and I want to thank them again for a good job they have done,” Mr. Jabar said.

The carpenter said the land is a significant step and he has major plans in the works to ensure his ownership dreams are realised.

“I’m going to see my land where is it, try to get it clean and start my home.”

Mrs. Sheree Ross digs deep into for a house lot number in an envelope held by Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, during the opening ceremony

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal

Ms. Sheree Ross, a retired teacher, said she applied since 2010 for a house lot and was excited to finally get it.

The 60-year-old mother of five sons, already has house designs in mind and her savings lined up to start building. She also has the promised assistance of her children.

“As a family we will work together, so that we can accomplish this goal and they too can be a part of it, because at least if my eyes should close they should have it…that should make me feel much better,” she remarked.

As for 34-year-old teacher, Mrs. Versha Leitch, she and her husband, who is also a teacher, applied for their house lot in 2009.

The woman was overwhelmed on Tuesday after more than a decade of waiting.

“We were anxiously waiting for years now and the dream finally realised, so we’re very grateful for this… I know that we going to build and we going to make the next step together,” she said.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal said the lands allocated will be in Number 75, Number 79, Williamsburg, Hampshire, Fortlands and Ordinance.

“With these 300 lands the infrastructure that is required, you would have seen two months ago there was contract signing for a number of contracts including in Region Six,” the Minister told residents.

He said these works are to provide serviced lots to enhance the residents’ livelihood and comfort and will include access roads and bridges and water networks.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water added that the Ministry is currently focused on providing sustainable community hubs that encourage family building.

“We want to ensure that there is occupancy in all of our communities, so that you can have neighbours and that within your communities you can have businesses and shops and supermarkets that you can go to and so that you can feel like you’re in a wholesome community,” said Minister Rodrigues.

Mr. Dilip Jabar selects a house lot from an envelope held by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues as Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal and other officials watch on.

Ms. Versha Leitch selects a house lot from an envelope held by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues.

Over 3,600 house lots have been delivered over the span of four months by the Ministry of Housing and Water during the Dream Realised exercise. This is approximately half of what the coalition government delivered in five years and 600 more lots than the Ministry was mandated to deliver under the leadership of President Ali before the end of 2020.

The allottees encompassed residents from Region Three, Four and Six.

In 2021, the other regions will witness an aggressive housing drive, as the sector continues to progress and the PPP/C Government delivers on its 10,000 house lots per year manifesto promise, over its term in office.