NTC Conference 2025: Housing minister explains key differences in hinterland vs coastal housing

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal has clarified that the design of houses built for beneficiaries in hinterland regions differs from those on the coast for several important reasons. His comments came in response to questions that were raised at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference by community leaders, who asked about the houses being built by the Government in the hinterland not designed in the same manner as those coastal areas.
“The hinterland housing program, you will recognize—and many of you have been asking—for similar types of houses that you see on the coastline. But you also have to understand that in the coastal housing program, beneficiaries pay for their houses. In contrast, your land is what is called communal land.”

He further explained that individual ownership is a key difference. Unlike coastal residents who can use their land titles as collateral at financial institutions, hinterland residents cannot do so with communal land.
Croal emphasised that the hinterland housing initiative is a direct investment by the PPP/C Government into hinterland communities.
He stressed that the housing program is designed to reflect and support the local context of each village.
“The program is tailored to take into consideration the local scenario. For example, in some Region 1 areas where there is easier access to wood and lumber, wooden houses are constructed. In Region 9, the goal is to encourage village economies.”
He noted that this approach creates economic spin-offs, as the ministry does not aim to “just build houses for the sake of building,” but also to support local economies.
“In supporting the village economy—for those that have been making clay blocks for years—we’ve worked with many of your villages to supply those blocks. Similarly, for the wood needed for building, your contribution includes providing two skilled persons to assist in construction. That is part of your ownership.”
Croal also clarified that the ministry does not determine who the beneficiaries are:
“We give the number of houses to be built, but you determine who the beneficiaries are. This is part of ensuring fairness and your involvement in the process.”
He gave assurances that all 29 listed villages where the housing program has not yet been completed will receive their houses:
“To those areas still awaiting completion of housing projects, rest assured—they will be done. You will not be affected.”
However, the minister also addressed a challenge encountered in Region Nine, where some providers of clay blocks have not met expectations:
“In Region 9, we’ve had some difficulties. In some communities, the traditional suppliers of clay blocks have been delinquent, even during the dry season when production is possible. And while some suggest we source blocks from Bonfim or Boa Vista, we’ve said no. This is a Government of Guyana program, and we want to ensure that the economic benefits stay within your communities.”
Another issue raised was the transportation of key materials for building houses in far-flung hinterland areas.
“For example, I have a memo on my desk for the Region 8 communities and Region 7 support, to be able to transport materials—like zinc sheets—which are required to be purchased in Georgetown. The transport mechanism has been a challenge for some villages, and it will also become a challenge when we implement the $3 million program for every community.”
He added “The airline costs to freight some of the materials in are significant. Most times, we have to wait for the Army’s Skyvan, which is the only plane capable of carrying the volume and weight of materials required.”
Croal encouraged continued partnership and responsibility among village leaders and beneficiaries, reinforcing the government’s commitment to equitable development across all regions.
As part of the hinterland initiative, the government has committed to building 400 houses in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine to provide sustainable housing to vulnerable families.

The 20 by 25 feet houses cost approximately $3 million each, and were built utilising materials and labour sourced from the area.
A total of 163 houses have already been completed at Kokerite, Warapoka, Haimaruni, Tiger Pond, Lethem, Yakarinta, Smith Creek, Blackwater Savannah, Nappi, Shiriri, Crashwater, Quatata, Rupunau and Yurong Paru.
The selection of the beneficiaries is conducted transparently at a general meeting, where two-thirds of the majority must agree.