We have to invest in our people – President at One Stop Shop
The Government’s philosophy of investing in people, the most important factor for development continued today with 800 houselots up for allotment at Herstelling, East Bank under the Ministry of Housing’s One Stop Shop.
The allocation of lots today valued at $1.2M to $2.5M targeted persons with high income ranges from $140,000-$600,000 given the area’s location to gated communities, the capital and the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
Applicants were encouraged not to procrastinate, but build expeditiously and avoid the penalty of repossession which is being imposed by the Ministry of Housing for landholders who for years have not begun construction.
President Donald Ramotar who witnessed the exercise at the Guyana National Stadium, spoke with understanding, about the appreciation of having to own a home for the first time, especially for those who endure the burdens of living in rented apartments or homes.
“Having a home of your own provides an enormous amount of feeling of security and a feeling of contentment and a more settled mind, and it gives our people dignity too,” President Ramotar said.
The 2006 manifesto of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) promised new housing schemes across Guyana, improved and accelerated distribution of titles and affordable mortgage financing.
By the year 2009 almost all of these promises were delivered and the target which was set for the Housing Ministry to deliver house lots has been surpassed. By August 2011 the Ministry completed allocations of more than 18,000 house lots.
Commercial banks like the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Republic Bank, Citizens Bank have made mortgage financing reasonable allowing applicants the means to repay at a rate that is often below what they are paying to rent.
It has been the philosophy that has influenced major investments in the social sector like water where Water Treatment Plants have been established in various parts of the country, some of which have allowed communities to access potable water for the first time.
The Government’s belief of investing in people has resulted in the construction of new schools, especially those in the hinterland with dormitories, a school uniform and feeding programme and new hospitals with qualified Guyanese doctors.
“It’s not easy for a poor country to find all these resources to do all the things we want to do,” President Ramotar said although satisfied that the investments are paying off with Guyana topping the Caribbean Examination Council level this year.