Approximately 2,000 persons who have been allocated lands in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) can look forward to starting construction of their homes by the end of this month.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Housing and Water said that infrastructure works such as roads, bridges and culverts are nearing completion in Edinburgh, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Stewartville and Meten-Meer-Zorg. Water distribution and electrical networks are also being installed in the schemes.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited the sites on Friday, where he met with contractors.
“We have people that are waiting to occupy their lands. It means a lot for the economy and a lot for them individually,” the Minister said.
He added that while the works started under the Ministry’s 2021 work programme, there were delays as some lands were owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and existing crops had to be harvested before the project began.
The release said that some dissatisfaction was still noted with the pace of work by contractors, particularly at Meten-Meer-Zorg, which allottees will be able to access in May compared to April with the other schemes. The Minister urged that the works be expedited.
“We are applying liquidated damages to those who have not received an extension permit. Similarly for the new contracts that have been awarded under the 2022 programme we are going to be very rigid in its implementation because we have people that are awaiting to be able to access their new lot,” the Minister warned.
Croal also announced that the Ministry will be expanding its turnkey housing programme to the region. Lands have been reserved for close to 200 low-income and moderate-income homes to be built in Edinburgh, Anna Catherina and Meten-Meer-Zorg.
