“APNU has no track record in housing” – Minister Croal

…dismantles Norton’s claims at rally

In a distinct message to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and its leader Aubrey Norton, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal stated that the Opposition leader has “buried his head in the sand” and declared too that, “They [APNU] have no track record to speak about in housing.”
Minister Croal further stated that the Government has met, and even surpassed, the housing targets outlined in its manifesto.

Between 2020 and 2025, the housing programme has allocated more than 50,000 house lots—a figure that exceeds the Government’s 2020 campaign promise. This marks a historic milestone in Guyana’s development, unprecedented and unrivalled under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), whose main aim is to make homeownership accessible to all Guyanese.
Since assuming office in 2020, the Government has consistently allocated house lots and continues to do so across the country.
More recently, on Friday, July 4, the Housing Ministry visited Linden, Region 10—a known opposition stronghold—and unveiled new housing developments (new phases) in Wismar and Amelia’s Ward. These developments are a direct response to over 4,000 applications received by the end of 2024.
“The target is to bring it current and make more land available for every single person who has applied for house lots in these regions,” said Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, at Friday’s outreach.
In a bizarre tirade at Sunday’s APNU rally, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton attempted to downplay the Government’s achievements in the housing sector, despite a clear track record showing APNU’s minimal contribution to the sector during its time in office.
Minister Croal highlighted the Government’s strong record on land titling. “We have processed over 14,710 certificates of title. Close to 2,500 certificates of title are currently at the Land Registry, awaiting final approval,” he stated at the Ministry’s 2024 year-end press conference.
By contrast, only 7,730 titles were processed during APNU’s tenure from 2015 to 2020—a fact Minister Croal pointed to as evidence of the former administration’s neglect. The Government’s housing drive goes beyond just land allocation. It includes construction subsidies to assist families in building their homes. For example, in Linden on Friday, over 40 families received vouchers valued at $225,000 each to assist with purchasing steel and cement.
Additional pro-housing policies have been implemented, such as the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on building materials. The Government has also collaborated with financial institutions to secure low-income mortgages, enabling families to access home loans at interest rates as low as 3 per cent.
The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP) has further expanded the housing agenda by constructing core homes for vulnerable groups, ensuring that all Guyanese have equal access to homeownership.
Equity in Homeownership
Statistics from the Ministry of Housing and Water show that 47 per cent of house lots allocated were given to women, while 90 per cent went to low-income families. Minister Susan Rodrigues praised this achievement, reiterating the Government’s goal to ensure that land becomes available for every applicant.
The Government has also extended its efforts to Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, areas that were largely ignored under the APNU Administration. Programmes like the Lethem Housing Support Programme and the Hinterland Housing Programme aim to ensure that hinterland communities benefit equally and equitably.
Under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, the Government continues to prioritise housing as a fundamental pillar of national development. Backed by data and visible results, the Government’s housing programme remains progressive, inclusive, and impactful.