Residents of Region One (Barima-Waini) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) can expect to receive subsidies from the Government for the construction of houses and the replacement of roofs as a part of a Budget 2016 measure to improve housing in the hinterland communities.
Finance Minister Winston Jordan made these disclosures to the National Assembly on Friday, as he presented the coalition Government’s second financial plan since its assumption to executive office.
The Finance Minister further disclosed that Government budgeted over $644 million to expand the Hinterland Housing Project.
During the Budget presentation, the Finance Minister announced that Government would forge ahead with its programme of establishing cohesive communities in which serviced lots, social infrastructure and amenities including green spaces, parks and recreational facilities are provided to ensure an improved quality of life for all Guyanese.
The Finance Minister reminded that Government expended some $1.9 billion on infrastructural improvements in housing schemes in 2015, while 74 turnkey homes were built and over 4000 land titles were distributed.
“The high rate of possession of these turnkey homes and lots indicates that new homeowners are eager to realise their dream of homeownership,” Jordan said, noting that Government would continue with the same zeal towards the housing sector in 2016.
“We will continue with infrastructure works in existing housing schemes, including the installation of electricity and provision for potable water. New housing developments will commence in areas such as Perseverance, Stewartville, Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Williamsburg and Amelia’s Ward,” he disclosed.
Additionally, $4.2 billion has been earmarked to assist in developing the four communities which are to be upgraded to township status: Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem.
According to the Finance Minister, these investments will realise the decentralisation of key Government systems into these communities as well as provide for the establishment and upgrading of critical infrastructure.
On that note, Jordan declared, “The Government stands steadfast in its pledge to make these imminent towns thriving economic centres.”
The Minister with responsibility for the housing sector is Valerie Patterson-Sharpe.
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