PM reaffirms Government’s commitment to affordable housing

–Over 1,500 house lots being allocated in Region Three

Prime Minister Hon Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, today, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to affordable housing and infrastructural development.

The Prime Minister was at the time speaking at the opening ceremony of the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) “Dream Realised” housing drive, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Water.

He said that affordable housing is high on the Government’s list of priorities, in keeping with its commitment and promises to the electorate.

Prime Minister Phillips noted that along with the allocation of house lots, the Government has also been putting systems in place to offset additional expenses of future home owners.

He pointed to the ruling administration’s decision to reverse value-added tax on construction materials and increase the mortgage interest relief ceiling to $30M.

“This means that more money is available to you and it also means that you can look forward to being able to build decent, high-quality houses at an affordable cost.”

The senior government official noted that his Government has also invested significantly in the housing sector and is prepared to provide a comprehensive housing solution for all Guyanese.

“Our Government will not just allocate house lots to you and neglect you. We will provide all the infrastructure necessary for you to live comfortably in these locations… Over the past few months, you have witnessed the large investments made in the Housing sector; more than $15 billion being set aside for infrastructural development alone throughout our country. These investments will transform the landscape and lives of all. New road links will create ease of access while modern schemes with state-of-the-art facilities will add value to and improve your lives”.

The Government has also had fruitful talks with the private sector, since according to the Prime Minister, collaborative efforts are necessary moving forward.

“It is important that we partner with the private sector so that we can quickly achieve what we envision for the betterment of Guyanese. It requires all of us playing our part in building our nation and it is simply impossible to get where we want to be without a collective effort.”

The housing drive, which commenced this morning at the Leonora Synthetic Track and Field Centre, is expected to conclude tomorrow.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon Collin Croal said that over the two days, more than 1, 500 house lots are expected to be allocated. He added that the housing drive will be replicated in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) before the end of the year.

“With the allocation of over 1,500 house lots over the next two days, we are not only contributing directly to improved wellbeing and standard of living, but we are also setting the stage of socio-economic development that will increase wealth among our people.”

The Minister added that over $5B will be invested in infrastructural work to expand the housing sector within Region Three.

“We will continue to engage with our partners, especially in the private sector to ensure that prices are kept competitive and that materials are always available… Let me reassure you that my Ministry will continue to work to make the process easier and quicker.”

NEW LAND OWNERS ELATED

Meanwhile, 25-year-old resident of Uitvlugt, Ms. Shaneeza Yacoob, who filed a land application years ago, was among the first set of persons to receive her land from the Prime Minister.

“I think this is a good initiative and I am extremely happy to own my own home. Soon I will start to build.”

Another recipient, Ms. Dorcel Farley of Bagotville, also expressed her satisfaction with the event.

“I feel ecstatic about it. Ever since I received the call, I couldn’t stop smiling and rejoicing with my family. This is a great step for me. I think it’s a step in the right direction because it has always been my dream to have my own property.”

Also present were Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon Susan Rodrigues, Chairman of Region Three, Mr. Ishan Ayube and CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves.