Govt invests $14.8B in infrastructure for East Bank Berbice housing schemes – Housing Minister

Minister of Housing Collin Croal, on Saturday announced a landmark $14.8 billion investment in infrastructure at Providence, Glasgow, and Overwinning on the East Bank of Berbice (EBB), Region Six.

This, he says, will support the first phase of works to prepare nearly 6,000 house lots for beneficiaries, who were allocated land earlier this year.
The work, which includes land clearing, road and drainage networks, has been divided into 25 lots, each awarded to various contractors.
“The commencement date is in this very October and we’re looking for completion by the end of May for all of those beneficiaries to be able to have access or to see their lot,” Minister Croal said, during a visit to one of the sites on Friday.
He added, “I’m here to get an assessment of where we’re at, and also to reinforce […] the importance of ensuring we are meeting our deadlines.”

The Minister noted that favourable weather conditions are supporting the contractors’ progress, allowing for greater expediency.
Key elements, such as main access roads, are being prioritised to manage the heavy-duty vehicles during the development.

Minister Croal also addressed the Government’s long-term vision for the housing sector, noting that a portion of the developed land will be set aside for future demand.
“All the lots have not been allocated. We still have available lots, and some of this is going to be reserved for future housing programmes,” he said.
Also on the ground were the Regional Chairman, Junior Bassant; Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA)- Regional Housing Officer, Diyaiyyih Dwarka, and engineers.