Int’l Building Expo 2024 launched with focus on sustainability, unity

– calls made for foreign partners to showcase designs, products

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal on Thursday challenged the Diplomatic Community to bring their delegation to Guyana to showcase their design, product, and construction trends to the Guyanese populace.
He made this call during the launch of the 2024 edition of the International Building Expo which is set for August 8 to 11, 2024 at the Guyana National Stadium under the theme, “Building on the Foundation of Sustainability and Unity.”
He further stated that the ministry’s staff has put together an experience that includes the exchange of knowledge, the introduction of new technologies, and one-on-one interaction topped with entertainment which together will make for a great experience.

He nevertheless, noted that the ministry has allocated 23,000 lots to date, completed and handed over 1687 houses to new homeowners and 1491 houses are nearing completion. These, he added are the results of visionary leadership and successful partnerships between government and industry partners.
“As you will know we are very open to partnerships and collaborations with industry stakeholders that will help more of our people achieve home ownership. I want to use this opportunity to thank the contractors, banks, insurance companies, and local and international businesses that have kept the construction and home ownership sectors robust, I am truly grateful for the support we have received from all of you,” he added.
However, the International Building Expo 2024 will give stakeholders another opportunity to see new products and services in the housing sector.
“There is demand for sustainable materials at affordable cost as well for more options in building materials, I hope that local and international suppliers will answer the call. I am looking forward to exploring the latest trends and technologies even as we stay committed to building a better world. Sustainability is a mandate that we all share to protect the Earth, we must balance development with responsibility.”

The minister added that at last year’s Expo, the 3D printed concept houses, and solar solutions among other technologies were introduced and underscored his excitement about what is to come in 2024.
“International Building Expo 2024 is a platform that will bring industry leaders and government together to see new options in housing and construction that can help reimagine housing policy. It can also help us set an example for the rest of the Caribbean and South America but more specifically it will reassure our people that we are working to ensure that every citizen has a roof over their head that they can.”
In addition, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves stated that the theme for this year’s expo is quite fitting as for the past three years, the ministry has been focusing on sustainable and modern building solution and solid public-private partnerships.
“In the face of climate change, the need for climate-resilient infrastructure has never been more urgent. rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten the very fabric of our communities… it is imperative that we design and build with the future in mind…”
He referenced the Silicia project in Guyana which is the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali and exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and innovation.
“By addressing the impact of climate change and sea level rise head on, Silicia City sets a new standard for modern urban development with state-of-the-art infrastructure and emphasis on energy-saving technologies, Silicia City is not just a city of the future, it is a blueprint for sustainable living.”
On this note, he changed all to seize the opportunity and work together to build a future that is both sustainable and united.
“Together, we can create communities that thrive in harmony with nature, leaving a legacy of prosperity with generations to come.”