150 Lethem residents receive Agreements of Sale for house lots

Throughout the weekend, the Central Housing and Planning Authority of the Housing Ministry commenced processing of Agreements of Sale for the initial 150 allottees of the Tract “CHPA” Housing Scheme in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

This process is a critical stage since it gives beneficiaries legal ownership of their land. They can now receive a Certificate of Title, which can be used to obtain financing from banks to construct their dream homes.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Lethem Mayor John Macedo, and Deputy Mayor Debra King were present for this exercise.
The new housing development at Tract CHPA, commonly known as Poke Bridge, has been allocated to some 543 residents. Of this, 400 allottees have so far been able to access their land, as infrastructural works in the area including access roads progress.

Within the next few weeks, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is also expected to commence logging in the scheme to determine the optimal location for a well.
“We will drill a well this year for that area,” Minister Croal assured the residents, adding that the scheme will be developed into a wholesome and sustainable environment.
After receiving his Agreement of Sale, Christopher Sahibdeen shared, “I’m so happy that at this time that I have received a house lot and I’m getting a Title for that location, and thank you to this Government for all this improvement which going on in Lethem, Rupununi.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Eastman, a teacher from Annai Secondary School, stated, “I am extremely happy because it is very challenging at times not having your own place so if you have that you will cut off hotel accommodations and so on.”
To further improve access to homeownership in the region, the first 58 Region Nine residents would have also received the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers on Saturday. Among the projects being executed is the Lethem Housing Support Project, which will see some 600 persons benefiting from a $3 million two-bedroom home.
The Government will contribute $1 million towards the cost of construction for each home. Minister Croal noted that with these ongoing projects, the Ministry is pumping over $1 billion into Region Nine. (G12)