Housing expo dubbed “true solution”

With the passing of three days since the launch of the housing expo at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, the co-op initiative was dubbed the true housing solution for low-income Guyanese. Scores of persons on Sunday flocked

the exhibition site as the Communities Ministry in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) partnered with housing developers to present an array of homes to citizens.

The housing expo, which is aimed at providing low, moderate and middle income earners, along with State employees and youths, the perfect opportunity to access affordable homes, was launched on Friday last and is set to conclude today.

The “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” event features a total of 25 houses which were constructed for display during the four-day exhibition period to presented stylish, durable and eco-friendly options to Guyanese who have

previously been faced with financial barriers, preventing them from purchasing their own homes. The houses were uniquely constructed and comprise single units and duplexes made of both wood and concrete. These models range from as low as $6.5 million with the more eye-catching models being offered on special deals for about $16 million.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Sunday, CH&PA Public Relations Officer Ivor Wharton said the event showcased to the Guyanese populace “what are some of the solutions we have come up with” for affordable housing.

The PRO said the Planning Authority, in its “Housing Solutions” initiative, has partnered with private developers to build homes in three targeted income categories to not only present options to Guyanese, but, at the same time, gather information of the housing preferences of the general public. Wharton even pointed out that of the two options presented (single units and duplexes), approximately 80 per cent of those who participated in the surveys preferred the

single units.

The PRO further explained that the houses constructed at the exhibition site would remain there and would be the first of several communities to be developed as a result of this housing exposition. As such, she noted that the cost to purchase one of the single units at Perseverance was $6.5 million, while the duplexes would not exceed $7 million. However, the setting up of similar communities is set to commence in about two months across six regions of the country, with similar options made available.

Wharton expressed delight over the successful outcome of this initiative and stated, “We are overwhelmed with the response we have received from the public.” The PRO went on to say that the CH&PA would be working hard so that it can provide every applicant with a house lot or a fully constructed home.

Expressing similar sentiments was Rafeek Khan of DuraVilla Homes, who highlighted, “The experience has been overwhelming here in Guyana, because what has happened is that the young, the old, the rich and the poor like our greenheart villa concept.”

The Strategic Planning and Development Manager pointed out that his entity operated both locally and aboard and produced unique, customised designs, incorporating the use of both popular and lesser known species of timber, 95 per cent of which is sourced in Guyana. DuraVilla’s model home at the housing expo was a distinctive design, which capitalised on the use of space, capturing the attention of those present.

“Usually, we export our timber overseas, but we would like to have DuraVilla Home concept in Guyana, using the ecofriendly greenheart villa idea,” underlined Khan as he responded to the positive feedback offered by those cashing in on the expo.

He even explained the process of procuring one of the well-designed homes, stating that an application has to be made to the company, after which it would proceed with the qualification assessment. Upon approval, DuraVilla Homes will follow up with the Communities Ministry and the CH&PA to subsequently commence construction. The model at the housing expo is priced at $16 million, but will average about $12 million if constructed on land owned by the buyers.

“Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” also presented a marketing opportunity for other private entities such as furniture stores, security services and banks. According to reports from various businesses participating in the expo, the initiative provides the perfect opportunity to market their products, with some even earning close to 100 new customers.

Those in attendance on Sunday dubbed this event a great initiative especially since it provides low-income housing solutions for the masses of Guyanese who fall within this earning level. Many were also impressed with the beautiful modern designs given that they are offered at such affordable prices.