GMSA, Housing Ministry to collaborate on local content, housing drive

The Housing and Water Ministry and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) will collaborate to have local goods and materials become more available to cater for the upcoming housing drives. This was stated at a recent meeting held between the two parties.
Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal updated the meeting of the extensive housing initiative being undertaken by the Ministry and discussed the importance of collaborating with all stakeholders in the continued development of sustainable housing.
With the concurrence of the GMSA delegation, a joint working group was established between the Ministry and the Association.

One of the main matters raised at the meeting was local content requirement for housing and construction. It was mentioned that it is critical for Government to protect and expand domestic industries by purchasing materials from local companies and encouraging manufacturing of such products.
Croal noted that the initial requirements for housing contracts were intended to promote the affordable housing drive and satisfy the major demand for housing. He stated that, eventually, there is expected to be a roll-out of a segment of housing that will require more utilisation of timber components.
However, President of the Association, Rafeek Khan fervently spoke about pricing, quality and procurement of construction materials and services related to the sector.
He stated that price should not be the only determining factor in the award of contracts for housing as low pricing could lead to the compromise of quality and import of substandard products.
Khan further noted that timber manufacturing companies which place high emphasis on quality, are unable to compete in the local industry, which automatically prevents them from the benefits of local content.
“Several of our companies within the GMSA are prepared to deliver homes and construction materials at the highest quality and standards manufactured right here in Guyana,” Khan added.
The Housing Ministry delegation was led by Minister Croal, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally and Chief Executive Officer Sherwyn Greaves while the GMSA was represented by President of the Association, Rafeek Khan and Executive Member Shyam Nokta.