Linden Police urged to take advantage of new housing initiative

Minister within the Communities Ministry, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson on Wednesday met with members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Linden for a consultation aimed at assisting State employees through Government’s housing development initiative.

The Minister was also accompanied by representatives of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). During the consultation, held at the Mackenzie Police Station, several officers were given the opportunity to acquire their house lots, valued at $92,000 for half the price. Those who benefited were applicants in receipt of letters for their lands who were experiencing difficulties.

Sharpe-Patterson pointed to the new housing initiatives offered by Government via its 2017-2020 plan. She said while Government’s plan was to provide a housing unit to every Guyanese, the focus for this year was State employees, youths and moderate income earners. Officers were urged to make use of the duplex home plans, which she noted, were new model designs, explaining further that Government was not in a position to give every individual land.

Construction of duplexes in Linden is expected to commence in approximately six weeks at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie. Wisroc has also been earmarked for the housing project, but the Minister explained that systems were yet to be put in place. She explained further that the final decision of accessing a housing unit lay within the bank, since applicants need to be qualified through the banking system. The cost per unit is expected to be between $5 million and $7 million. The Minister further explained that interested applicants would first have to apply through the Housing Ministry. Those in attendance were also educated on the designs for duplexes and townhouses through a PowerPoint presentation.

“Our responsibility is to meet the needs of all Guyana citizens as it relates to housing,” Minister Sharpe-Patterson explained.

She added, however, that the lack of necessary infrastructure has hindered persons from occupying house lots, but Government was moving in the direction of servicing house lots.

The Minister said Government was also working along with insurance companies so coverage could be provided in instances of fires. However, she revealed that there were plans to ensure that the structures would be sound proof and fireproof materials would be utilised.

“Even if there’s fire on one side, that wall which is fire proof can actually prevent, so we’re looking at all that.”

“The State owns the land, but when you purchase, you purchase the apartment and the land that surrounds your apartment. You will have a certificate of title that covers the building…,” she added.

But the response to the duplex and townhouse initiative was unfavourable, from those who were in receipt of letters for their house lot, as they indicated that they were not interested in the initiative. Others were interested if a subsidy would be provided for duplex homes.

Meanwhile, a Police Constable noted that she would not be able to access a $6 million loan from the bank based on her salary scale.

“I’m putting together a proposal…I’m quite aware of the fact of where the salary levels are and we want to, and this is the order from the President, that we provide for State employees. So, therefore at the end of the consultations, a proposal will be put (forward),” Minister Sharpe-Patterson n noted.

She added that she has already initiated discussions with senior personnel from the Finance Ministry.

“Because I’ve recognised that there has to be Government involvement, with the banks…because I’m asking if the banks can look at extending the repayment period, which will reduce your monthly instalments, or if the Government will be willing to negotiate with the banks to see if the interest rates can come down. I can’t give an answer at this time, as I said, it’s continued discussion…if this is the way forward for Government, then we have to be able to facilitate for the people that we’re providing the housing units for, but I can’t say what would be the outcome.”

The Minister said anyone who already had a house lot and was interested in purchasing the duplex or townhouse would have to first surrender the house lot, in all fairness.