“It’s a really nice feeling” – new homeowner

 …as 11 families get keys, hundreds more new homes to go at Cummings Lodge

Eleven families are now proud homeowners of two-bedroom moderate-income houses built through the Housing and Water Ministry – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) in the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown.
Keys to the units were handed over on Saturday by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority Sherwyn Greaves.
For most of these families, the delivery of the homes brings a sense of pride and the end to many years of struggles they have endured.
Mother of seven, Paulette Jones explained that after 26 years of squatting, she will finally be able to provide secure housing for her children. She stated that squatting has not been easy and she has long hoped for an opportunity to do better for her family.

“I am really happy about this and I just want to say thanks to the Government,” Jones expressed.
Similarly for Padmini Urgaj, her main goal in life to own a home has also become a new reality. She too explained that as a mother, one of her greatest achievements in life will be this opportunity to provide safe shelter for her children.
Meanwhile, father of one, Travis Bowman, shared that he had applied since 2011 and is very grateful to finally have a place he and his son can truly call home.
“It’s a really nice feeling,” Bowman, who temporarily lives at his parents’ residence, expressed. He added, “Being that I get both the land and house that would save a lot of time”. All of the new homeowners are persons who would have previously applied and prequalified through the Ministry and various banking institutions. Each unit costs $7.5 million, including the cost of the land.
Minister Croal stated that the delivery of the homes is also a proud moment for the Government and a demonstration of its commitment to provide affordable housing to Guyanese from all walks of life.
“Bringing affordable housing to our people is one of our main priorities and I am very pleased to be here today to make a difference in the lives of these beneficiaries,” Croal said.