New housing areas identified – Croal on increased demand for housing

The Housing and Water Ministry has identified several areas where housing projects will be executed. This was revealed by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal on Thursday night during the opening ceremony of this years International Building Expo.
The minister noted that the demand for housing in the country has significantly increased, as such he explained that the ministry in an effort to keep up with the increased demand has identified several areas across the country where construction works will begin.

“The demand for affordable housing continues to grow. We cannot develop housing areas fast enough. To cope, we have identified new areas for this year, for example, in Region One [Barima-Waini]; Marlborough, Region Three [Essequibo Islands-West Demerara], Wales, in Region Four [Demerara-Mahaica], LBI, Felicity, Chateau Margot, Hauruni on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, Nonpareil, Enterprise and Silica City, Region Five [Mahaica-Berbice], Waterloo, Region Six [East Berbice-Corentyne], Molson Creek and Palmyra, Bartica, Region Seven [Cuyuni-Mazaruni], Mahdia in Region Eight [Potaro-Siparuni], and Plantations Hope and Europe in Region 10 [Upper Demerara-Berbice] will see commencement of actual building” the minister stated.
Moreover, the minister reaffirmed the governments commitment of providing a total of 50,000 house lots within a five-year period, as such he revealed that a total of 40,000 house lots will be allocated by the end of the year. Similarly, within the next two days of the expo over 1500 house lots and certificates of titles will be distributed.

“By the end of this year, 2024, more than 40,000 house lots will be allocated. In fact, we will be allocating over 2,000 lots over the next two days and issuing 1,730 certificates of titles, signaling the finalisation of ownership in new areas such as La Reconnaissance, Cummings Lodge, Great Diamond, Golden Grove. We have achieved over 34,000 house lots in four years, The target of allocating 50,000 house lots over five years did not include in our manifesto a commitment to complete houses, but where there is a will, there is a way, and so far we have allocated in excess of 1,700 houses, of which over 1,500 are in various stages of completion. I have been assured by my team that before the year is finished, we will be building another 600 of these houses” he stated.
Also speaking at the expo, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, who explained that the expo is a platform where business showcase their latest innovations among other ideas, as such she remained adamant that Building Expo 2024 will set the stage for innovation and collaboration among businesses.

“International building expo has earned a reputation as a premiere platform for entrepreneurs to launch a new business, expand and showcase new businesses and offers unmatched opportunities to network among industries and professionals. We are confident that building expo 2024 will provide an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration. It is an opportunity for us to learn from each other, inspire new ideas, and forge partnerships,” she said.
Meanwhile the International Building Expo 2024 promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge designs and construction practices.
With participation from industry leaders and local institutions, the event is set to highlight the latest trends in building materials, techniques, and technologies, along with benefits available to new and existing home owners from financial institutions.
The expo which has become a household name in the country sees approximately 30 companies from Canada, the United States, India, and Indonesia, among other foreign countries participating. Guyanese companies are showcasing their dominance at the expo as over 400 locals are present. These companies will highlight sustainable and environmental concepts aimed at improving home ownership.