Silica City works to commence this year

Guyana’s first smart urban centre ‘Silica City’ in the vicinity of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway will see developmental works beginning in 2023,

This is in keeping with the government’s transformative agenda to create a sustainable and climate- smart housing area.

It was revealed that the idea was based on the need for Guyana to develop an urban centre to complement the city of Georgetown.

Junior Housing and Water Miniister, Susan Rodrigues during her weekly programme ‘Making the Case’ explained, “We will see the commencement of construction on Silica City in 2023 and I know a lot of people are also excited about that. We have a lot of migrants who are excited about returning home and being able to own a plot of land in Silica City.”

It was noted that the government is focused on further transforming Guyana, through the application of globally established principles of sustainable development.

As such, some 3,800 acres of land have been identified for the immediate development of the new Silica City in the Soesdyke-Timehri area.

Further, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal highlighted the ministry’s aggressive housing programme and plans for 2023 which include the development of the new Silica City.

“Inclusive of that…for what we have advertised is that we have added the Silica City because we have to commence work, occupancy, and activities at the Silica City. This is something that we have been speaking about for the new city,” Croal explained.

The minister disclosed that the Silica City development project is a brainchild of President Irfaan Ali who had proposed the city’s establishment while serving as housing minister in 2013.

It was noted that the project seeks to address the problems of non-coastal urban settlement development and the effects of sea level rise and climate change.

Therefore, it will be a vibrant, sustainable, resilient, and modern city, in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Additionally, the projected population for this new city over the next 20 years, will be approximately 50,000 or 12,500 households. It is expected that the city will be developed within the first five years to accommodate at least 3,125 families, or around 625 units annually.