Over 400 house lots allocated as new housing scheme opens at Hoff Van Aurich

…continued expansion coming, not just promises on paper – Croal

In a major move to expand homeownership opportunities across the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Housing and Water Ministry on Friday announced the opening of a new housing development area at Hoff Van Aurich, where more than 400 residential lots were allocated to qualified applicants.
The announcement was made by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal during an outreach held at the Ministry’s regional office in Anna Regina. The event forms part of the Government’s ongoing ‘Dream Realised’ housing initiative.
According to Croal, the Hoff Van Aurich location [which is not far away from La Union village] marks the third active housing development site in Region Two. The area spans approximately 104 acres and is located just 1.5 miles from the main public road, making it easily accessible for future homeowners.
“This will be the third area in Region Two that we’re offering for housing development… the area that you are being allocated today is Hoff Van Auric it’s about 1.5 miles in from the main road and covers approximately 104 acres of land,” Minister told the gathering.

He disclosed that over 400 house lots have been planned for this initial phase of development in Hoff Van Aurich, targeting applicants who had applied to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on or before December 31, 2024.
“So on offer today are up to 400 lots for pending applicant…those who applied on or before December 31, 2024. If you applied this year, you will be served in sequence. The staff is working with a numbering system to serve everyone fairly.” he stated. Croal underscored that this level of transparency and engagement is the hallmark of a Government that is serious about delivery.
“I always say, when I give you your dream, it must not be just on paper,” Croal explained. “You must be able tomorrow to start building. And that’s the kind of responsible Government you have,” he said.
Croal also pointed out that while Hoff Van Aurich is now open for residential allocation, the Ministry’s technical teams are already conducting surveys in the vicinity to identify additional lands for future expansion.
“As I speak, the surveys are actually on the ground examining for us to get additional lands. But we want to move this process now…This is your first phase in this area we’ve catered for just under 400 residential lots,” he said.
He further assured residents that infrastructure such as roads, drainage and utilities will follow, as part of the Government’s integrated planning model for new housing schemes. “Every area has its plan. Ownership and infrastructure go hand-in-hand before we can move forward. That’s how we’re approaching housing development in Region Two,” Croal stressed.
The Hoff Van Aurich housing scheme adds to an already significant footprint of development along the Essequibo Coast. With more than 53,000 house lots already allocated countrywide under the administration, Croal affirmed that the housing programme will continue aggressively in the region.
“Housing is not going anywhere. It is not dependent on an election on September 1st…. once there is a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, there will be a continued housing programme in our country,” Minister stated.
He reminded residents that the Government’s housing drive is not just about allocation, but about improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities for future generations.
“Our commitment is to ensure that all our citizens who are eligible can have access to their own land or home. This is about building better lives for you, your family and for generations to come,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva emphasised that legal ownership is vital not just for personal security but also for economic empowerment.
“Once persons have their titles, no one can take their land from them. It becomes collateral… you can now go to the banks access loans and begin building,” she noted.
Also attending the meeting were Director of Operations for CH&PA, Representative from CH&PA, the Banking Sector, Insurance Companies, among other regional officials.