By Michael Younge
Government has injected Gy$ 40 million for the preparation and parcelling off of lands at Mahdia that would see hundreds of Guyanese becoming homeowners over the next few months.
Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali disclosed that some 120 house lots are being created in the New Mahdia Housing Scheme. Ali told the media that the housing scheme is being designed and set up to address the increasing demand for housing, which is resultant from the booming Region Eight economy.
Housing Ministry and Guyana Water Inc officials at the site of the new housing scheme
He said his ministry was proud to respond to the need, explaining that in the end, it is the residents and their families who will benefit significantly and achieve the socio-economic benefits of home ownership.
“That Gy$ 40 million relates specifically to the investment in the setting up of road networks and pipe network for the community,” Minister Ali emphasised, noting that his officials are now waiting to connect the various systems to the general supply network.
Ali said the ministry plans to complete allocation of the lots by the end of May, and will be working to encourage increased occupancy of the new housing scheme. “Once we have the stipulated and required 75 per cent occupancy rate over approximately a year and a half, we will move to install the power network system,” the housing minister said.
He explained that government is cognisant that it will need to deliver more housing services because of the increased movement of people and skills to Mahdia as a result of the great economic prospects and benefits of doing business and residing in the region. “We cannot, however, let demand outstrip supply or supply outstrip demand,” he noted, stating that there must be a balance.
Continued investment
The housing minister has also undertaken to create an additional 150 house lots in the mining and mineral-rich region of Mahdia, explaining that already officials from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Lands and Survey, and the Guyana Water Incorporated are in discussions on this matter.
“The investment will be continued because we believe in our people and we believe in making continued investment in the development of the lives of the normal man. Our process remains transparent, and we are open for all to criticise us, as we undertake this project, which will impact significantly on the lives of our comrades in Mahdia,” Ali said passionately.
However, there has been one area of concern. Miners have again invaded the area demarcated for housing, and started operations on a huge plot of land within the new housing scheme.
Meanwhile, the vendors that were displaced as a result of the 2010 inferno at the Mahdia Arcade are yet to complete the reconstruction of their respective stalls, despite the assistance received from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.
Minister Ali expressed disappointment stating that a committee was put in place and a design for how the new arcade should look was completed, since a year and a half ago.
“It seems as though people have resorted back to the old [structure],” Ali said after visiting the arcade on Wednesday, and seeing the newly-erected squatter structures.
He has placed Region Eight Executive Officer Ronald Haraswack in charge of the reconstruction process and will not be entertaining any proposals to grant stalls to new persons, unless the 28 displaced persons complete construction work on their stalls.
By Michael Younge
Government has injected Gy$ 40 million for the preparation and parcelling off of lands at Mahdia that would see hundreds of Guyanese becoming homeowners over the next few months.Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali disclosed that some 120 house lots are being created in the New Mahdia Housing Scheme. Ali told the media that the housing scheme is being designed and set up to address the increasing demand for housing, which is resultant from the booming Region Eight economy.He said his ministry was proud to respond to the need, explaining that in the end, it is the residents and their families who will benefit significantly and achieve the socio-economic benefits of home ownership.“That Gy$ 40 million relates specifically to the investment in the setting up of road networks and pipe network for the community,” Minister Ali emphasised, noting that his officials are now waiting to connect the various systems to the general supply network.Ali said the ministry plans to complete allocation of the lots by the end of May, and will be working to encourage increased occupancy of the new housing scheme. “Once we have the stipulated and required 75 per cent occupancy rate over approximately a year and a half, we will move to install the power network system,” the housing minister said. He explained that government is cognisant that it will need to deliver more housing services because of the increased movement of people and skills to Mahdia as a result of the great economic prospects and benefits of doing business and residing in the region. “We cannot, however, let demand outstrip supply or supply outstrip demand,” he noted, stating that there must be a balance.Continued investment The housing minister has also undertaken to create an additional 150 house lots in the mining and mineral-rich region of Mahdia, explaining that already officials from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Lands and Survey, and the Guyana Water Incorporated are in discussions on this matter.“The investment will be continued because we believe in our people and we believe in making continued investment in the development of the lives of the normal man. Our process remains transparent, and we are open for all to criticise us, as we undertake this project, which will impact significantly on the lives of our comrades in Mahdia,” Ali said passionately.However, there has been one area of concern. Miners have again invaded the area demarcated for housing, and started operations on a huge plot of land within the new housing scheme.Meanwhile, the vendors that were displaced as a result of the 2010 inferno at the Mahdia Arcade are yet to complete the reconstruction of their respective stalls, despite the assistance received from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.Minister Ali expressed disappointment stating that a committee was put in place and a design for how the new arcade should look was completed, since a year and a half ago.“It seems as though people have resorted back to the old [structure],” Ali said after visiting the arcade on Wednesday, and seeing the newly-erected squatter structures.He has placed Region Eight Executive Officer Ronald Haraswack in charge of the reconstruction process and will not be entertaining any proposals to grant stalls to new persons, unless the 28 displaced persons complete construction work on their stalls.
