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Georgetown: More than 1000 persons became direct beneficiaries of the current Housing programme, which is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority, and which saw the disbursement of 300 middle income house lots inZeeburg/De Willem, Region 3.
President Donald Ramotar was on hand to congratulate the families gathered at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground for the Ministry of Housing’s 1st allocation exercise in 2015, and to remind them of the far reaching benefits of home ownership, made possible under the PPP Administration.
He explained, “I think that (home ownership) is indeed one of the most important things that contribute to a good quality of life. At one time in the history of this country, those that were fortunate to own homes got it when we were about 50 years old. What is important to note is that this government has been trying its best to use its social sector policy to improve quality in every area and to redistribute income in this era.”
Alluding to the levels of government subsidy ,he noted that for every house lot a person receives from the government, they get $100,000 in subsidy which is a part of the redistribution process, and which ensures that ordinary persons gets a fair share of the country’s revenue and prosperity.
“We see it as an investment because life has shown us that when we have strong feelings of security among our people it raises productivity. We are investing heavily in our people because the most important factor for development is not how much gold we have and how much diamonds and bauxite, the most important factor for development is you, the people of this country,” the Head of State declared.
The President also pointed to the investments and resulting strides made in the health and education sectors, citing them as ‘necessary investments” in Guyana’s future, most notably the Specialty Hospital the benefits of which will filter to the masses.
In closing, he assured that the PPP will not falter in the quest to ensure that all citizens’ housing needs are met and called on the gathering to support future progress.
President Ramotar said, “The Ministry is engaging in another loan to acquire more lands so that they can try to satisfy completely the needs of our people in housing. In the continuation of this programme we are looking forward to your individual and collective support and understanding so that we can ensure that the upward trajectory that out country is on and the higher quality of life our people are enjoying will not, now or ever, be reversed.”
Meanwhile, the Hon Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali opined that the history of housing in Guyana is relevant for all to reflect on and that the extent of development is only as a result of hard work and commitment.
He explained that over $17B has been invested from 2000, in the development of housing in Region 3 which has directly benefitted over 100,000 persons; the demand for housing in Region 3 has also reduced by 66%- from 6000 in 2009 to 2000 presently.
“This gives an idea of the spread of investment by the Government. The road ahead requires work and vision and can only be successful through commitment, policy, and understanding and through results that were tested. Government has shown that is has what it takes to bring housing solutions to Guyana,” Ali explained.
According to the Housing Minister, $213M was invested in the development ofZeeburg/De Willem, where 60% of infrastructure has been completed; the average cost per lot amounts to $1.3M out of which the Government is subsidizing $591,000 per lot.
Ali said,” I want you to look in your conscience and to access honestly, fairly, the government’s performance in this area. I want you to assess the Government’s performance nationally. And I want you to make a decision based on honesty, not propaganda, not on mischief, lies or sensational headlines but based on your own conscience. Did the Government improve my life? Did this government improve conditions in Guyana? If your conscience tells you yes, then you have a responsibility morally and ethically to reward you conscience by doing the right thing at the right time.”
The CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Ms. Myrna Pitt reminded that home ownership is one of the most important decisions one can make, and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensuring that it becomes easier for the average citizen to “live the Guyanese dream”.
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