Construction of $23M housing & water office in Lethem begins

As part of the Government’s drive to decentralise services, work is ongoing on an office in Lethem, Region Nine, which will house both the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
According to the CH&PA on Monday, the $23 million office is expected to improve the services of thousands of residents in the region, which has more than 57 villages. Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal visited the site over the weekend accompanied by GWI’s Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailall.
This follows an earlier visit in May, where the symbolic turning of the sod at the site which is located at Lethem Commercial Block, was done by the Minister. The office, which will measure 20×40 feet, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The foundation of the building is in the process of completion.
The statement quoted the Housing Minister explaining that the new office will not only improve water services to residents, but also considerably reduce GWI’s financial burden in the long-term.
“GWI is currently renting a building that houses about ten staff here in Region Nine. Upon completion, this new facility will significantly cut that expenditure and the company will be able to use its resources in a better way,” the Minister is quoted as saying in a statement from CH&PA.
Croal also emphasised the importance of the provision of potable water in hinterland communities, as part of bridging gaps and ensuring equal access to services available in coastal regions.
When it comes to the housing sector, the Minister said the CH&PA’s regional department, presently housed at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), will now have adequate facilities to service customers.

According to the Minister, this is all part of strengthening the regional housing office. Additionally, there will be capacity building for staff. It was also revealed that a new Regional Housing Officer is expected to be appointed before the end of September 2021. The Minister said that this will further advance their goals for providing quality service and aid the Government in achieving its housing vision.
The PPP Government has made it clear they have big plans for Region Nine. It was only a few days ago that President Dr Irfaan Ali met with members of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where he discussed Government’s plans for Region Nine and said that the plan is to make the region into an economic free zone.
The Head of State, who was in Lethem for the Regional Toshaos Meeting, said that his Government is aware of the desire to have parts of Lethem designated as economic free zones, which will stimulate economic activity. He explained that they have had discussions with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Under the 2021 budgetary allocation to GWI, the sum of $23 million had been budgeted for the construction of the new office. Bids for the project were evaluated in June. The duration for the completion of this project is an estimated three months.
Since taking office, Croal has stressed the need for improved infrastructure, adequate staff, and strengthening regional services offered by the Ministry. Already under the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Regional Housing Officers have been appointed in Regions Five and Six.
In Region Two, a building has been identified for a Housing office, while additional staff have been employed to strengthen capacity. Further plans are in place for a regional office for Guyana Water Inc in Bartica, which will house the first-ever CH&PA regional office.