Hundreds turn up for 1st-ever housing drive in Wakenaam

As promised by President Dr Irfaan Ali, a team from the Housing and Water Ministry returned to the island of Wakenaam on Monday, which saw hundreds of residents in attendance.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Sherwyn Greaves led the outreach at the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office in San Souci, making it the first ever housing outreach that the island has benefitted from.
In his brief remarks, Greaves reiterated the CH&PA’s commitment to engaging citizens from every possible location, as a way of meeting the housing demand. He further stated that irrespective of location, the agency will explore all options possible to cater to the unique needs of the island.
On the other hand, Minister Croal spoke of the Ministry’s plan to allocate lands to interested persons. He noted that in the coming weeks, the “Dream Realised” – Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) exercise will cater to persons who are interested in land off of the island.
Responding to questions about residential lots on the island, the Minister said the Housing Ministry will explore the possibility of acquiring land on the island.
Residents were allowed to lodge new applications, update existing allocations, and register for a housing option of their choice. At the end of the exercise, the CEO stated that over 200 persons expressed interest in lands outside of the island in Regions Three and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
Additionally, 50 new applications from residents were processed; and another 120 persons purchased forms to initiate the application process.
NDC Chairman Sheik Syed Amad lauded the efforts of the CH&PA and its staff for the outreach, which he deemed a timely and necessary one. A team from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) also engaged residents.