Govt invested over $5.9B to construct homes for Guyanese since 2020 – Pres Ali

…says mortgage relief programme has benefited over 16,000 Guyanese
…as 56 more land titles distributed to Region 3 residents

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has made enormous strides when it comes to advancements in the housing sector, with President Dr Irfaan Ali recounting these achievements which include the construction of thousands of homes for all brackets of Guyanese since taking office in 2020.
In a video message, the President explained that more than 3000 homes have been built, including thousands of low-income houses, at a cost of over $5.8 billion. He also revealed that more than 400 moderate-income homes, 100 middle-income, and over 1000 young professional homes were built.
“In addition to this, we’ve ensured that we supported the vulnerable, by investing in core homes. Even the hinterland communities were not left out of our housing programme. We’ve invested close to $2 billion in hinterland housing.
“More than 16,000 persons, young people, Guyanese have benefited from the mortgage relief programme. That is an investment of more than $2.8 billion, for young people. We don’t just promise, we deliver. And on housing, we delivered in less than four years,” he further said.
The Head of State also revealed that to support these new housing schemes, hundreds of kilometres of new roads, as well as transmission networks for basic utilities, had to be constructed.

“To support these new housing schemes and 35,000 new house lots and homes that we’ve invested in, we’ve built 414 kilometres of new roads, 250 kilometres of water transmission mains, and more than 2200 kilometres of electricity transmission lines. We did all of this while making housing more affordable.
“An average low-income house lot is subsidised by almost $4.2 million. We’ve brought down interest rates by close to 2.5 per cent. This has led to an increase of about 18 per cent in new housing loans, at a value of $56 billion,” the President noted.
As part of its manifesto, the PPP/C had promised to deliver 50,000 house lots by the end of its first term in office; the Government has allocated $75 billion in its 2024 budget to continue the housing programme. Some 10,000 house lots are scheduled to be distributed this year.
The Housing and Water Ministry is making a dent in the existing backlog it met upon assuming office in 2020, although it continues to receive applications for house lots. An evaluation of the pending applications for Region Three in 2022 stood at about 14,000; but as of last year, that number had been reduced to just over 13,000.
The housing sector would execute its work programme to the tune of $78 billion, with the Government well on its way to achieving its target of distributing 50,000 house lots within its first term in office. Water supply and distribution would also be extended to new communities. A total of $16.8 billion was spent last year on water and sanitisation, and $22.5 billion is budgeted for further advancements in this regard in 2024.

Region Three
President Ali accompanied by several officials, also made a trip to Barnwell, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), where they distributed land titles to 56 families from the community.
The President had committed to the residents to look into their land titles, during a previous community outreach in the area. According to the Head of State, these titles represent a very important asset for the residents.
“You have that opportunity to hold your title and say to your children that you now have all the paperwork and legal possession of your land. You will now also be able to use this very important asset to get loans to improve your homes, expand your business, and build prosperity for your family,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Government will also be addressing land title issues in other neighbouring communities including Good Hope, Philadelphia, and De Willem. He urged those awaiting titles to go through the necessary processes.
“Those residents in Philadelphia, we still require them to sign their documents to do so, so we can hand over your titles. Your title is awaiting you. There are some other areas we’re looking at. These include Greenwich Park North, Anna Catherina Seawall, and Acme Housing Scheme.
“But I know those who are looking at the live, will ask what about these three schemes. Well, we’ve started the work and within four weeks, we will be in your communities to have you sign up and deliver your titles to you. Within four weeks, these three communities will be completed,” President Ali stated. (G3)