Govt to construct 20 core homes in Sand Creek under hinterland housing programme
– residents now benefiting from $15M upgraded water supply system
The Housing and Water Ministry will soon construct 20 core homes for Sand Creek, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) families under the hinterland housing programme. The beneficiaries will be selected by the Village Council.
During a meeting with residents, the Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, initiated the process for the first phase of the Hinterland Housing Programme to commence in the area.
Rodrigues made the announcement as she handed over quotation forms to the Village Council for construction materials. In her address to the residents, she expressed her delight in being able to deliver on commitments made by the PPP/C Administration.
She reiterated that 90 per cent of the manifesto promises have already been accomplished and the Housing and Water Ministry has also been delivering. Specific to Sand Creek, 20 families including a few senior citizens from the village will benefit from the housing programme.
“Your Government remains dedicated to resolving challenges and meeting the needs of the community.”
Minister Susan Rodrigues hands over the quotation forms to the Village Council
She also shared some insight from a recent Toshaos Conference held in Lethem which covered the Government’s comprehensive plan for water infrastructure development in the region. Notably, 40 new wells have been drilled throughout a number of hinterland communities, leading to increased coverage in access to potable water.
“The Government is committed to investing in resilient and sustainable development across various sectors, including education, healthcare, housing, and water,” the Minister remarked.
The houses will be built with five workers, two skilled persons that the programme pays for, and three labourers that the beneficiary of the house will provide.
Also, during the engagement, Rodrigues was joined by Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, GWI Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal and Toshao Bernadine Fernandes.
Also, during the engagement, the $15 million upgraded water supply system was commissioned.
The water system boasts solar panels and a new pump system, ensuring 95 per cent of residents get access to potable water. This is in addition to an extended service, scheduled to be operational by the end of August. Sand Creek now boasts three wells, with the pump system estimated to last 20 years.
