10 new housing schemes to be developed in 2016

The coalition Government, through its housing programme, is committed to improving the quality of life of Guyanese by establishing new, cohesive communities and consolidating existing settlements. This will be done through the promotion of integrated planning, land divestment and affordable housing.

Aerial view of the Herstelling Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara

To this end, in 2016, the Administration will be enhancing service delivery through home construction and land divestment, improved infrastructure, promotion of public/private partnership, enhanced coordination with governmental and non-governmental organisations and enhanced community participation.

A total of 100 new turnkey houses will be constructed; 200 house lots distributed; and 10 new housing schemes developed in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). There will be infrastructural upgrades in 25 communities in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three, Four, Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 10.

In 2016, there will be an intensification of the community development programme. The results should realise the building of leadership capacity in 19 communities in Regions Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10. There will also be the allocation of 400 regularised squatter lots, the identification of 37 community projects for implementation and the commencement of a comprehensive squatter regularisation and relocation plan.
The resulting impact of these approaches would see not only the living conditions and quality of life improved for the beneficiary and household, but ultimately the formation of cohesive and sustainable communities in which Guyanese can secure the ‘Good Life.’

For 2015, during the seven months of the new Administration, a total of 180 house lots and 290 titles were handed out.
Meanwhile, outreaches were conducted in communities such as Parfaite Harmonie, Angoy’s Avenue, Eliza and Mary and Lethem; more than 20 community leaders were trained; three community projects were implemented; 148 lots were allocated to persons in squatting areas under regularisation; 250 titles were issued to persons in squatting areas under regularisation and a further US$3 million was promised to the Administration by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the construction of homes in the hinterland. (GINA)