Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and 83-year-old Jennifer Klass at her new home
Four East Bank of Demerara (EBD) persons, including an 83-year-old woman, received keys to their new core homes on Friday.
The core homes, valued $5 million each, were built under the Government and Inter-American Development Bank’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, speaking at the handing-over ceremony, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the course of this initiative’s progress. Despite these hurdles, the Minister proudly announced the completion of 96 houses, emphasising the commitment to advancing community infrastructure.
Beneficiaries of the new $5 million core homes
“We are particularly pleased that the programme has been moving much faster, though there were some hiccups in terms of trying to get deliveries done in terms of construction; we are working out to ensure that we are able to resolve all these outstanding matters,” he stated.
Further, Croal highlighted that all new applications from citizens have been received and all beneficiaries have gone through a process.
“Every time new persons are granted a house and it gets published, there are scores of new persons who are sending in new applications always,” he said, while assuring members of the public that all new beneficiaries have all gone through a process and the ministry is soon to commence the building of those various houses.
The 83-year-old beneficiary, Jennifer Klass said that most of her life she has lived with relatives. She said that she lived at a family-owned property, but she lost everything to a fire.
“I am happy to finally own something of my own, a place I can call home and be comfortable,” Klass said on Friday.
Among the other beneficiaries were Shabina Haniff, Egland Campbell, and ?Nigel Ralph.
Croal also unveiled three ground enhancements that are ongoing in Herstelling, Covent Garden and on the West Bank. According to the Minister, these works are funded by the IDB initiative. Furthermore, he explained that among the three grounds where construction is ongoing, a multipurpose stand is being built, to host various activities. “All consultations have been completed,” the Minister made known. (G2)
