July completion for first 25 Yarrowkabra Homestead Programme units

The first 25 homes under the Government’s Homestead Programme are set to be completed by July 22 at Yarrowkabra, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Construction is progressing on the first low-income homes under the government’s Homestead Programme, as Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, conducted a site visit on Wednesday to inspect ongoing works.

The 20-foot-by-30-foot houses under construction by DuraVilla Homes would feature two bedrooms, one bathroom, a patio, and a kitchenette. These homes are part of the Government’s initiative to assist single mothers. The project would eventually see 500 homes being built across 100 acres.
Speaking with reporters, Minister Croal expressed satisfaction with the progress thus far, and
revealed that the road network, covering 800 metres of concrete, is being developed by nine contractors.
“The first 25 homes have begun. As you can see, they are currently working on the foundations; and once that’s completed, they will move on to the prefab stages. By and large, the land clearance for the homes has already been completed, which is why construction has now commenced. We have also started a new well for this area,” he revealed.
“The final aspect of what we’re doing is the development of internal roads, for which we’ve already awarded contracts worth about $163 million. Everything is progressing simultaneously, and while we faced some initial setbacks, the contractor has already shipped the necessary materials required for the homes.”
Despite minor setbacks, Minister Croal expressed satisfaction with the progress. He emphasized that work is continuing to ensure essential infrastructure, including water supply and road networks, is in place.
He also mentioned that things would progress smoothly from here on out.
“Moving forward, everything will move quickly. We already have a list of potential beneficiaries, and we are engaging them to proceed with the prequalification process,” Croal disclosed.
The minister has described the project’s innovative aspects as a “win-win” scenario for everyone involved. “We now have over 30 workers here, and as the project expands, that number will increase. It will also benefit those from nearby communities, and contractors who are mainly from the vicinity of the highway and the East Bank. This is part of the economic generation that comes with construction and infrastructure development. The final beneficiaries will be the ultimate winners.”
Meanwhile, the ministry has begun engaging potential beneficiaries to begin the prequalification process, while construction of a new well is underway to provide potable water to residents.
Government aims to replicate this model across the country, pending the project’s success.
The $6 billion Homestead Project was unveiled by the Government in August 2024. Under the project, each house would be equipped with coconut or breadfruit trees in the front yard and a 20-foot-by-40-foot shade house at the rear, allowing single mothers to cultivate crops for income generation and loan repayment.
The homesteads would also incorporate solar energy to reduce electricity costs.
The project is being executed in a collaboration between the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministries of Housing and Water, Agriculture, Human Services and Social Security, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.
At the recent site visit, Minister McCoy emphasized that the administration would continue to deliver on its promises to the public.