Housing sector in Lethem set for major transformation – Min Croal

…2021 Budget being crafted to facilitate drive

The housing sector in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), is set for a major transformation as the Housing and Water Ministry kick-starts its plan for its 2021 programme.

Subject Minister, Collin Croal during an outreach in the region noted that the objective is to create a housing plan that suits the regional landscape while ensuring that it projects the image of a developed region.
“Our vision here is that we want to ensure that we provide an opportunity, especially for our young people, to go on to own their own homes, to ensure that they will be able to start their family in a different environment.”
This is important, he added, as the town “is growing because persons are seeking employment in the central location and because of the expected expansion here in the Lethem for a business community and other opportunities.”
For this reason, the Surveying Department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is charting Poke Bridge, Lethem, for a new housing area.
Also, following recent discussions with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Minister said, consideration is being given to develop Culvert City – Phase Three.

“What this means for you here in Region Nine is that by the middle of December, in our planning, we will be made aware where we will be embarking on our next area or project of housing allocations,” Minister Croal said.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that since the regional demand is land for construction, this will be the main area of focus. However, there are long-term plans to construct housing units, although the prospects are unclear at this point until the surveys are done.
Croal noted that he is hopeful that the land will soon be within the purview of the CH&PA and infrastructure works such as land clearing and road networks can follow to start allocations.
He further added that persons must have access to basic utility services and Housing will be collaborating with the Guyana Water Incorporated and Guyana Power and Light company to ensure these services are in place.
While housing in Lethem is projected to cost less than that on the coastland, it is still expected to provide some of the same spin-off benefits such as job creation.
The Minister noted that the difference in soil type plays a major role in the services needed.
Further, Government incentives in the recent budget, including the removal of value-added tax from construction material is expected to make homeownership easier.
There are currently six housing schemes under CH&PA’s purview in Region Nine: Old Culvert City, Old Lethem, Tabatinga, New Culvert City and an area called Physical Development – Phase One and Phase Two.
Minister Croal highlighted that Region Nine currently has 557 active land applicants in the CH&PA system and the initiative is also geared at reducing this backlog.