Minister Collin Croal handing over a steel and cement voucher to a recipient
In a significant move to support first-time homeowners, 58 families from Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have each been given cement and steel vouchers valued at $225,000 to aid in the construction of their new homes.
Distribution of these vouchers took place during a ceremony at the Regional Housing Office in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast. The initiative was spearheaded by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal alongside Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves.
According to Croal, this initiative alone signifies an investment of just over $14 million in the local economy. He noted that, to date, 125 vouchers have been distributed, with the latest batch benefiting another 58 families.
“That’s fourteen million dollars injected into the programme and the economy. Overall, for steel and cement, we have issued vouchers worth over three hundred and nineteen million dollars, directly supporting beneficiaries in purchasing their materials.” Minister Croal elaborated.
Officers of the Ministry of Housing and Water assisting the residents during the outreach
Apart from the voucher distribution, the minister emphasized, various Government efforts have been aimed at enhancing the lives of Region 2 residents. These efforts include making previously allocated lands accessible to their owners, and reinforcing regional services.
Minister Croal also assured residents that systems would be put in place to address any concerns they raise during the event.
Highlighting further developments, Minister Croal mentioned the significant investment in the region’s water supply system.
Residents at the distribution on Friday
“We are injecting a minimum of two billion dollars into the water sector, for a treatment plant currently being constructed in Onderneeming, which will increase access to treated water along the coast to 90%,” he stated.
Echoing Minister Croal’s sentiments, CH&PA CEO Sherwyn Greaves spoke about Region 2’s promising future, and urged residents to take full advantage of the services available.
The event was attended by Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit and the Two Prime Minister’s Representative for Region 2, Arnold Adams, along with other regional officials.
