Govt distributes $6M in steel & cement vouchers to Reg 1 residents 

– churches received garbage receptacles

Some 21 residents on Friday received building materials vouchers through the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme as the Government accelerates affordable home construction in Region One (Barima-Waini). Leading the distribution exercise at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom were Housing Minister Collin Croal and Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley.

Each voucher is valued at $300,000, with this first distribution totalling approximately $6 million. Recipients can redeem their vouchers at Small’s Enterprise within a six-month window. Minister Croal underscored the direct, immediate benefits of the vouchers, stressing that the financial aid provides tangible relief to ease the burden of material costs for citizens across the region and helps them attain homeownership. He highlighted that the programme is part of the Government ‘s comprehensive housing strategy and is specifically “geared towards helping or kickstarting the construction of your own home.”

However, after receiving her voucher, Shonella February, a mother of two, shared, “I’m so happy because it will be able to help me build my house… I’m a single parent, and I’m so grateful for the initiative that the Government offers us.”
In addition, Dorothy Aduilar of Koberimo, who has started building her home, expressed her elation that the materials would boost construction and emphasised the personal joy of securing her own residence rather than living with others.

Prior to this distribution, 2915 vouchers, valued at approximately $655.8 million, had been successfully distributed across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10. The programme was launched under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, with the overarching aim of supporting affordable home construction and enhancing the quality of life for families across all of Guyana. Meanwhile, some 18 churches in Mabaruma also received garbage receptacles to strengthen sanitation management and promote healthier spaces as part of Guyana’s national beautification initiative.  Minister Croal emphasised the Government’s mandate to focus on changing community aesthetics to instil pride, announcing that this effort includes establishing modern, functional landfill sites in every region. The Regional Chairman noted that beautification efforts will also include local authorities working to clear derelict vehicles and clean up creeks and trenches, setting a new standard for cleaner communities.