Government’s aim is to not only modernise housing development this year, but to transform the lives of Guyanese while continuing to alleviate poverty through social and economic empowerment”. This is the sentiment expressed by Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali after paying a visit to the construction site of the new East Bank Development Project, which will see thousands of Guyanese becoming home owners this year.
Speaking with Guyana Times International during the tour, Minister Ali said that work to achieve the goals set out under the project has already been started. He was adamant that no time would be wasted and no effort spared to make government’s vision with respect to housing development a reality this year.
Land clearing and cleaning has already begun on over 2,000 acres stretching from Eccles to Herstelling along the East Bank Demerara. The Housing Ministry has already awarded contracts for the installation of electricity polls, the running of pipelines and other basic infrastructural services to be undertaken, Guyana Times International understands. Basic developmental works are expected to be completed on two parts of the project by August this year, when about 1,000 house lots will be made available for possession.
The East Bank Development Project, according to the housing minister, will also realise the benefits of private/ public sector partnership, as already some 13 developers are on board to invest in more than 2,000 acres of land within the project.
Under the new project, Guyanese can expect to see the construction of a modern shopping mall, establishment of primary and secondary schools, and the construction of police stations and outposts. This, according to the housing minister, is the integrated approach to housing development.
A new remigrants’ housing project also forms part of the East Bank Development Project. Scores of overseas-based Guyanese have expressed interest in securing house lots in this particular scheme, which is to be constructed by the Housing Ministry.
Officials at the Housing Ministry disclosed during the tour that, “the response from Guyanese living aboard has been overwhelming, and soon there maybe a fight for spots in the scheme”.
Transparency in allocation of house lots, contracts. Meanwhile, the combined opposition has accused the minister of overspending while condemning government’s continued approach to the National Assembly for additional sums to expend in the housing sector.
Concerns have already been raised regarding transparency and proper planning in this respect, and moreso accountability on the part of the housing minister.
Minister Ali, responding to these concerns, noted that, regardless of the “misguided views” of the combined opposition, government remains committed to the development of the people, and will take all measures necessary to ensure that their needs are met and social mobility takes place.
A vexed Ali also said that all of the ministry’s activities are guided and greatly influenced by high levels of accountability, transparency and responsibility.
He dismissed statements which seemed to suggest that there were inequalities in the distribution of house lots and the awarding of contracts.
Ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, geographic location or social classes are not prerequisites or part of the criteria for allocating house lots, a stern minister argued.
On the brighter side of things, Guyanese can expect to see the establishment and allotment of new house lots in areas such as Enmore; Non Pareil; Bath, in Region Five; Fort Ordnance; Number 76 Village, Berbice; South Georgetown, and at Mahdia, to name a few places, over the next few months.
House lots are also being established in areas in Regions Eight, Nine and Ten, while extensions are being worked on in Regions Three and Four, generally.
Some 15,000 house lots may be created this year, out of which 7,000 may be distributed by August this year.
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