Another 20 families from the border town of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), were officially handed the keys to their new homes under the Lethem Housing Support Programme on Friday.
The newly constructed houses, each measuring 550 square feet, feature two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen area, and washroom facilities. The beneficiaries were presented with their keys during a simple ceremony held at their respective homes in Culver City and the new ‘Tract CHPA’ (Poke Bridge) Housing Scheme.
Each home, valued at approximately $3 million, includes $1 million in support provided by the Ministry in the form of clay bricks and timber. The remaining $2 million is financed through mortgages from financial institutions.
One of the beneficiaries, Mark Kowlessar, expressed his gratitude, noting, “This is a great benefit to me and my family; it would help [us] a lot because we don’t have to pay rent.”
Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen handing over the keys to a family
Similarly, Joy Atkinson, who has been paying rent for several years, expressed her happiness, stating that her new home will provide a stable environment for her and her son.
Another beneficiary, Eros Wong, also applauded the initiative, describing it as a sustainable approach to affordable homeownership. He remarked, “This is my first house, and I’m very thankful for it.”
The Lethem Housing Support Programme is the brainchild of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, targeting 600 low-income families with affordable housing solutions.
Construction of the first 100 homes is at various stages, with 49 families, including Friday’s recipients, now officially homeowners.
A smiling family receiving the keys to their new home from Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal
Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal said that 39 additional homes will be completed by the end of the month, and the remaining homes in the new year.
He emphasised that the programme was designed to address challenges faced by residents in older housing areas such as Tabatinga and Culvert City, where many individuals have struggled to build homes independently.
“It also caters for the new housing development at Poke Bridge. We have outgrown the Lethem Central area, and this is a new housing development where persons have already started construction.”
He also highlighted that significant infrastructure work has already been completed in the area including utilities.
