Dear Editor,
There is a lot which is laudable about the house lot project, since those who are in a sound financial position can comfortably purchase a house lot and take a loan from the bank because of their assets. However, the slogan that everyone can own his home is impossible; there is no country in the world where every citizen owns a home. There must be provision for those who cannot afford this and they should have the option of renting. Ironically, this large country’s population is very small.
In Guyana, there are rich and poor people. Some people’s salaries, wages and pensions cannot feed, clothe or pay a mortgage for them. Some can barely find their rent. Elderly persons without large savings or sizable pensions certainly need to be treated differently. Vulnerable groups comprising low-income earners and retired workers with small pensions in many countries of the world have simple homes and settlements built at affordable rentals. They can occupy these dwellings until death and other persons can move in as these places become vacant.
Building homes for the elderly must be the duty of every government. Preferably these houses should be of concrete as a safeguard in the event of fires.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
