MORE than $400M has been invested in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to provide access to affordable housing to Guyanese across the country.
The Minister of Housing and Water,

Minister of Housing and Water addressing the gathering at One Stop Shop at Blairmont Community Centre

Irfaan Ali, made  this disclosure while addressing hundreds of Region 5 residents gathered at the Blairmont Community Centre, West Bank Berbice for the Ministry’s eighth
“One Stop Shop” exercise for 2012, wherein 625 house lots were distributed.
“This is the second such activity in this region, as we are seeking to provide adequate housing facilities to all Guyanese. Through these exercises, we are bringing you closer to the banking and construction sectors, engineers, and architects. In addition, you will be provided with the information necessary to construct your homes,” Minister Ali explained.
The minister pointed to the magnitude of investments in the housing scheme in the Hope/Experiment area, which amounts to $161,334 per individual; and he urged the allotees to take advantage of the opportunity to move towards home ownership.
Alluding to the level of subsidy provided by the government, and its importance, Ali said, “This investment reflects a

Hundreds gathered to receive their house lot allocation

subsidy rate of 43% of the total cost. We are…the only government subsidizing the housing programme, as we have committed to social development through investing in education, housing, health and water.”
The administration recognizes that these are critical areas that need to be addressed in the drive to eradicate poverty, he added.
As to efforts made by some politicians to discontinue transformative initiatives such as the housing programme, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that even more citizens will benefit.
“It is the government’s responsibility to make these investments on your behalf, and to ensure that all of you own your own homes,” he declared.
Minister Ali encouraged the new allottees to hastily move towards the construction process, and warned the residents against misrepresentation during the application process, as this is a criminal act which will be dealt with by the swift arm of the law.
He cautioned, “There is a clause in the agreement that speaks to this. If you are found guilty of this in any way, we will repossess your lot, and the monies you would have paid will be forfeited. Be mindful that your actions are in keeping with the boundaries of the law.”

Holistic Development
Pointing to the challenges in Region 5, Ali acknowledged that the multi use of land (generally agriculture-based) has posed some constraints. Nevertheless, he assured that the development of the housing areas will be viewed holistically, taking into account the needs of the farmers and the potential allotees.
The Housing Minister also conceded that there are still outstanding house lot applications in the region, but he highlighted that more than half of the total applications have been satisfied.
He said, “We had 1060 applications in Region 5. Of this amount, 420 are left to be addressed. This is a tremendous accomplishment in satisfying the needs of the residents here.”
Ali lauded the efforts of the staff of the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the ministry for the level of success of the allocation process in the region and across the country.
In closing, he congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to also take advantage of the partnerships the ministry has forged with the private sector companies (Toolsie Persaud Limited and National Hardware) to provide construction and other materials at reduced prices.
“Today is the day you all have been waiting for,” he announced.
Those persons assembled at the One Stop Shop exercise were able to benefit from the comprehensive range of services offered, and were told by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Ms. Myrna Pitt, that the occasion was primarily organised to foster closer and healthy relationships with ministry officials, the banks and other private sector companies.
She also pointed to the advantages of adhering to the building regulations as set out by the Authority.
Region 5 Chairman Mr. Bindrabhan Bisnauth testified to the evolution of the housing programme under the PPP/C Administration, and lauded his Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, and Minister Irfaan Ali for taking the services to the people.
He said, “Housing is made easier under this Administration.”