Linden’s inaugural Building Expo offers exchange of innovations, services

– 55 persons get steel, cement subsidies

A number of homes were exhibited on Thursday as Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), welcomed its first-ever building expo and the grand opening of Mast Villa.
The aim of the expo is to provide a forum for the exchange of cutting-edge technological innovations in the building industry, as well as a meeting place for investors and consumers to exchange ideas and locate goods and services for their construction endeavours.
The concept originated when businessmen connected at the International Building Expo hosted by the Housing and Water Ministry in 2022.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues attended the activity in the company of the Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John; President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development, Lyndon Young among others.

Minister Croal stated that as the housing market changes, Guyanese are searching for new technology to construct homes that are both sustainable, time-efficient and cost-efficient. He, therefore, applauded the organisers of the event for their effort and highlighted significant developments in Linden through the Housing Ministry. This includes the allocation of close to 500 house lots, road and infrastructure works, and the construction of housing units.
Meanwhile, Rodrigues in her remarks said that the Government will continue to support the development of Region 10 through its housing programmes and other initiatives. However, she also noted that the importance of private sector investment is also crucial for economic growth and that support will also be provided to create an enabling environment for investments.
Among the pre-fabricated homes at the expo were a 20×30 ft and a 30×30 ft unit from Tower Cranes of Guyana Incorporated. The homes are said to meet international standards and can be completed within a matter of days. Each home is also built using steel and cement and can support a second flat. Other units were also on display by NCHD Holdings Ltd and AJM Enterprise.
Additionally, the first batch of persons from Region 10 has been presented with their Cement and Steel Vouchers, which are intended to fast-track the construction of their new homes.
The 55 persons were presented with their vouchers, valued at $225,000 each. The vouchers are valid for a six-month period and are redeemable at three suppliers in Central Linden.
Speaking on the initiative, Housing Minister Collin Croal urged more persons to take advantage of the programme and noted that applications from other parts of the region, including Kwakwani and Ituni are invited.
He added that with first-time allottees now being granted access to their lands in Phase 4 Amelia’s Ward, initiatives will be getting traction. Further, he encouraged local businesses and suppliers to offer their services as these initiatives are aimed at generating income for Region 10.
Also on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves expressed his satisfaction thus far with the initiative, noting that it was conceptualised by President Irfaan Ali as another measure to improve the quality of life for Guyanese and make homeownership easier.
He noted that the agency remains committed to executing any programme and policy that is intended to serve the interest of the Guyanese people.
To date, under this initiative, just over 500 persons have been issued with vouchers across regions, Two, Three, Four and Nine. The distribution exercise is ongoing as the agency continues to approve thousands of applications accepted since the launch of the initiative in 2022.