11 WBD, Georgetown families receive core homes

Eleven families from Georgetown and West Bank Demerara (WBD) are now proud homeowners after receiving keys to brand-new core homes under the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP). The beneficiaries—five from Sophia, Georgetown, and six from Parfaite Harmonie, Region Three—were handed their keys during a ceremony led by Minister of Housing Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn and Permanent Secretary (PS) Bishram Kuppen.

Among them was Nadia Hale of Cummings Park, Sophia, who for 26 years, built and rebuilt 11 small homes from scrap material on the same plot of land, determined to provide shelter for her children. Overcome with joy, she described receiving her new home as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

“I’m really really happy. I think this is the best thing that’s happened for me. This is one of my dreams come true,” Ms Hale said. “This home will not only benefit me but also my children and grandchildren, giving us more security after years of hardship.” Minister Croal reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safe and affordable housing for all Guyanese. He told beneficiaries that their new homes represent “a safe space and environment that your children and you can live comfortably.” He also announced that additional programmes will soon be rolled out to further expand housing opportunities. The AHUAP’s Core Homes Support Initiative is expected to provide housing for 300 households. Beneficiaries were selected during the open application phase of the programme, which has since closed. To date, 147 homes have been completed, including those handed over today. PS Kuppen explained that AHUAP, which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), also includes a Home Improvement Subsidy, through which materials are distributed to vulnerable households to upgrade existing structures. He added that the programme supports wider community development by financing critical infrastructure such as roads and concrete drains. The initiative’s reach is extensive, spanning Georgetown to Grove on the EBD, up to Haslington on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) and several WBD communities, including Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II. Other recipients also expressed their gratitude. Laticia Martin of Sophia said the new home has given her children comfort and proper sanitation facilities, while Sherma Nelson, who previously moved between relatives’ houses and temporary lodgings, said her new house at Riverview, Georgetown, finally provides the stability she long prayed for. PS Kuppen explained that the programme also supports wider community development through roads, concrete drains and a home improvement subsidy for existing structures. Its reach extends across Georgetown, the East Bank, the East Coast, and several WBD communities.
For the 11 new homeowners, the day marked not just the delivery of houses, but the promise of stability, dignity, and a brighter future. Also present at the event were Deputy Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Donell Bess-Bascom, and staff.