Gov’t looks to incentivize local materials for home building

With the aim of providing accessible and affordable housing, in sanitary and safe communities, government is looking at offering tax incentives to home builders who use locally produced materials.

Ronald Bulkan
Ronald Bulkan

According to a GINA press release, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan told participantgs at the close-out ceremony of the Government of Guyana/Inter-American Development Bank (GOG/IDB) Second Low Income Settlement Pro-gramme last week that plans were also in place for government to build starter homes for those in need of transitioning from rented homes to home ownership.

GINA said the minister also revealed that government is working with financial service providers to facilitate affordable loans to home builders. It will also standardise building and safety codes and support volunteerism to help those in need of assistance to build homes.

In addition, focus will also be on ensuring that basic infrastructure, (electricity, roads, water, drainage) are in place, as house lots are issued. In this way, communities will develop in tandem with individual dwellings, he explained.

This is to also ensure that home builders and house lots applicants get value for their money, the minister said.

The administration’s housing policy is one that aims at with the necessities for wholesome and dignified living, for all citizens in need, GINA stated.