Residents of Whitewater Village, Mabaruma, Region One on Saturday participated in a follow-up mission and a series of close out workshops hosted by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and it was stated that overcrowding has been reduced in homes.
According to a release from the CH&PA. also present for the workshop was, IDB Housing and Urban Development Specialist, Tatiana Kopkeman.
The release explained that these workshops were designed to assess the impact of the Sustainable Housing for Hinterland Programme, which had previously benefitted residents through the construction of homes or roof replacements.
Beneficiaries from Sebai, Hymakabra, and Kamwatta also journeyed to Whitewater Village, to participate in these workshops. They were divided into four distinct groups: male and female beneficiaries, builders, and council members. Each group shared valuable feedback on their experiences and the durability of the infrastructure.
Deputy Director of Community Development at CH&PA, Donell Bess-Bascom, explained that the programne’s primary goal was to enhance the quality of life for low-income families by providing improved access to housing, clean water, and sanitation facilities.
Notably, the programme has successfully reduced overcrowding in homes, provided toilets to 93% of households in need, facilitated first-time access to potable water for 67% of those in need, and created job opportunities for over 100 individuals during the construction process.
Kopkeman spoke of the programme’s broader impact, stating that her team has been able to leverage their experience in this project as a model for similar initiatives in various other countries.
Residents expressed their deep gratitude for the programme and reported that the houses and roofs remain in good condition, the release said.
The Sustainable Housing for Hinterland Programme was executed in two phases, with a budget exceeding US$4 million from the IDB. This initiative led to the construction of over 270 houses in regions One and Nine and the installation of over 170 galvanised sheet roofs and water tank systems, “significantly” improving the living conditions of beneficiaries, the release added.
