Poke Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) which is earmarked for the housing development
The Housing and Water Ministry through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is expected to commence the block and topographic survey for in excess of 130 acres of land at Poke Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
The site is earmarked for a new housing development, which will see the establishment of some 800 house lots according to the Government.
On Saturday, subject Minister Collin Croal led a team consisting of Lethem Mayor John Macedo, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, and Regional Member of Parliament Alister Charlie on a site visit.
The current surveying project is being undertaken by CH&PA surveyor Shaquelle Mayers.
Mayers and a team from the housing agency are expected to commence their work in the area on Thursday. After the surveying is completed, the CH&PA is expected to proceed with the design and layout of the scheme. This will also pave the way for the kick-starting of the process with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).
“2021 will be an exciting year for the housing sector; we are looking to start allocation in 2021, and when we make an allocation, citizens can look forward to being allocated lots in schemes with all the necessary infrastructure,” Minister Croal said.
According to Croal, the establishment of the new scheme is part of the Ministry’s commitment to providing adequate and affordable housing for all Guyanese. Simultaneously, the Minister said, the Ministry is working along with other State agencies for the acquisition of lands to realise the Government’s vision of providing 50,000 house lots over the next five years.
The Minister added that access to affordable housing would translate into building village economies while creating employment. He noted that with the allocation of lots, employment would be boosted in the area of construction which is expected to directly benefit villagers.
“The housing and construction sector can further strengthen village economies, the opening of new housing development would mean people will be given house lots and can start construction,” he said.
Residents were also told of the Government’s plan to reintroduce a vibrant hinterland housing project in 2021. This programme will ensure that vulnerable families in hinterland regions are adequately housed.
The Minister also led a team from the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to several villages in the region where they discussed improved access to water. Meetings were held in Shulinab, Wowetta, and Aranaputa, where discussions were held on the development plans for the respective villages.
At Shulinab, Croal commissioned a rig which will be drilling a well in that village. He also visited pump stations in Wowetta and Aranaputa where he made a commitment to improving water delivery.
Additionally, a commitment was made to improve the water supply to Annai. The Minister also commissioned a $120 million well drilling rig for hinterland regions through funding from the Government of Guyana.
