…48 houses under Lethem Housing Programme near completion
The Housing Ministry has delivered 81 land titles to allottees of Tract CHPA in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), commonly known as Poke Bridge.
It represents the first set of allottees in the area who have received their ownership documents following a title processing exercise last week. Titles were presented by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Regional Chairman Brian Allicock at the Regional Housing Office.
Minister Croal said the title document is an important step in the homeownership process, since it grants the beneficiaries legal possession of their properties. The housing scheme has been allocated to close to 580 persons from August 2020 to date, and over 300 persons have gained access to their lots as the infrastructure works progress. Croal stated that over $1 billion is being invested by the Government to develop the housing scheme.
A resident being engaged by the CHPA team
“That means developing the drainage; developing the road network, culverts, catering for water to put the pipe systems in place,” explained the Minister, adding that a new well would be drilled to service the scheme, and electrical networks would be installed.
Minister Croal further stated that investments in the region would continue under the President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration, while outlining several housing initiatives in the region through the Housing Ministry and CHPA.
The first 48 houses under the Lethem Housing Support Programme are nearing completion, while construction of another 52 is expected to start soon.
Meanwhile, 58 vouchers have also been issued to Region Nine residents under the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy, and the region will also benefit from the Hinterland Housing Programme.
The Minister said the region would receive spin-off benefits from these initiatives, such as job creation and expansion in a variety of sectors, including transportation.
These interventions were welcomed by the Regional Chairman, who stated that President Ali and his Cabinet have transformed the township of Lethem tremendously.
According to one of the beneficiaries, Christopher Sahibdeen, acquiring his title would enable him to provide his young children with a better life.
“I’m thankful for having my title here today…This is going to be something great for my two little boys – three years old and twelve months old – for having a home in Lethem, Rupununi, Region Nine,” said the allottee.
Meanwhile, mother of one, Sholisa Simon, expressed, “It would be nice for us, so we would get our own house, and I am happy we would live comfortable”.
The Lethem Housing Support Programme is the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali. The agency will be constructing a $3 million low-income home and providing $1 million in support to each beneficiary for the building cost. Moreover, the Housing Ministry will be partnering with the New Building Society, Republic Bank Guyana Ltd, and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, as they will be offering loans to the tune of $2 million at a rate of 3.5 per cent to the prospective homeowners. (G12)
