– will see construction of 100 middle-income homes
In the coming weeks, construction on the first 100 middle-income housing units will commence, in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Director of Projects of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Omar Narine led a visit to the new site which is located at Seven Miles, just off of the Bartica Airstrip.
Land clearing underway to kickstart construction of the homes in Bartica
A few regional officials and engineers were also at the site where the new development will take place. The project is valued at approximately $1 billion and will see three contractors mobilising their resources so that the infrastructure work can move swiftly as planned.
In June 2022, President Dr Irfaan Ali made the announcement during a visit to the mining town that teachers and nurses would be among hundreds of residents from Bartica and surrounding communities in Region Seven to benefit from the construction of some 500 homes. The Head of State had pointed out that this initiative would have tremendous spin-off benefits for the community in a number of areas.
In 2023, a total of $54.5 billion has been allocated by the Government in the national budget for housing developments in new and existing areas. This includes money to construct roads, drains, and bridges, and the installation of utilities.
Meanwhile, several projects are ongoing for the construction of turn-key homes under the Housing Ministry.
Ministry officials and contractors at the site
For low-income families, 50 low-income homes are under construction in Prospect on the East Bank of Demerara, while an area was identified to commence the construction for another 1000 of these homes in Great Diamond.
South Atlantic is constructing the moderate-income units at Great Diamond utilising reinforced concrete foundations and blocks made only of recycled plastic. These homes measure 600 square feet and cost $5.9 million each.
Additionally, the first 100 low-income homes are already underway in Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Another 100 persons are beneficiaries under the Lethem Housing Support Programme and have already signed their agreement with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to move forward with the construction of their homes.
In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 100 homes were also constructed to enhance the lives of residents there. Each is a two-bedroom flat unit, measuring 600 square feet. Built by 13 contractors, Government had announced that the total cost of the project was $750 million.
