Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal on Friday said that the housing and water sector will see many more hinterland communities gaining access to potable water, along with the continued allocation of house lots and upgrading of roads with the monies allotted in the 2022 budget.
The Minister outlined the sector’s plans during the budget debate at the National Assembly. “Budget 2022 will allow the Ministry of Housing and Water to provide more house lots and houses to more citizens who have been waiting for years to build their own homes. The banks will for the first time offer the lowest mortgage interest rates in the history of our country and potable water will become accessible to more communities for the first time including in hinterland communities!”
He added that the $12.4 billion allocated to the sector this year will allow for the continuation of the development of the “infrastructure of the target areas through the upgrading of roads, construction of drains and the installation of LED street lamps and complete distribution networks for electricity and water.” He noted that the ministry has already surpassed the house lot allocation targets set for two years and will continue with the construction and upgrades of roadways and development of housing schemes in the different regions.
Further, the ministry is targeting the hinterland communities which need potable water. Croal elaborated, “Budget 2022 allows us to continue to attain the goals we have set for this sector. We will drill a new well and install water supply systems along the Essequibo Coast at Martindale, Marlborough, Karawab, Bethany, and other villages. The installation of distribution network and photovoltaic water systems at St Cuthbert’s Mission, Swan, Hururu, Kairuni, Long Creek, Moblissa, and Adventure in regions Four and Ten.” These initiatives, he stated, will provide first-time access to potable water supply for many vulnerable communities and residents. “Under the Hinterland Water Supply Programme, regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, will see an expansion in access to potable water as we will install new water and photovoltaic systems including the drilling of more than 30 wells in communities in regions One, Four, Seven, Eight and Nine. In addition, we have budgeted for the installation of new water supply systems at Phillipai, Itabac, Warwatta, Isseneru, Yakarinta, Katoka, and Tasserene.”
A further 20,000 water meters will be installed for customers which will improve water supply efficiency and reduce non-revenue water. He went on to say that the expansion of Friendship, Vergenoegen, Better Hope, and Sophia water treatment plants will improve treated water supply, efficiency, and service quality, for over 60,000 residents. In addition, the transmission mains along Church Street from Vlissengen Road to Avenue of the Republic, and Parliament to Kingston Seawall will be replaced. The Cemetery Road upgrade will also be completed. “The replacement of the aged lines will see an immediate improvement in water quality and service levels for more than 20,000 residents in Georgetown,” the minister disclosed.
Croal concluded by declaring his conviction that the overall $552.9 billion budget is good for the development of the country.
