GIS study to guide York Housing development – CHPA CEO

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Dr Martin Pertab, has said that a geotechnical investigation is currently underway to assess the soil quality and other key environmental and topographical factors at the site of Plantation York along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, where ongoing assessments, aimed at advancing the development of a new housing scheme in the area, are being conducted. “We are wrapping up the GIS (Geographic Information System) study, which will provide us with critical data on the soil composition and terrain. Once that is completed, we will be better informed on how to move forward with the infrastructure layout and development plans to cater to the unique needs of the area,” he stated.

The CHPA CEO led the site visit Friday last, accompanied by Senior Surveyor Shaquille Mayers and engineers from the Projects Department.
The team’s visit focused on monitoring progress and ensuring that works align with the agency’s mandate of efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of its housing programmes.
The Plantation York Housing Development is part of CHPA’s broader effort to expand access to affordable housing along major corridors such as the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, while ensuring that new projects are guided by data-driven planning and sustainable design. Further, the findings of that study will help shape the design of roads, drainage systems, and other infrastructure components, ensuring that the new community is resilient, well-planned, and environmentally sound.
According to the CHPA, this initiative underscores CHPA’s continued commitment to modernising the planning process and using technology to enhance the quality and sustainability of housing developments nationwide.
In 2023, the CHPA had announced that Government found a new location situated at Plantation York to accelerate the Government’s 1000 homes project in Linden, after development at an area at Millie’s Hideout was halted as it was discovered that a significant bauxite reserve was present in the area.
The development, CHPA said, will include a residential area as well as commercial and industrial zones. All necessary amenities including roads, bridges, drainage, culverts, electricity, and water will be included.