Wismar Housing Development, Phase One allottees soon to identify lots – Min Croal

– as Housing Ministry begins Region 10 site visits to assess operations

Housing Minister Collin Croal, along with Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn, on Wednesday began a series of site visits in Linden, Region 10, at the new Wismar Housing Development, Phase One.
Minister Croal explained that the Phase One visit served both to evaluate the quality and pace of works and to familiarise Minister Benn with the development, particularly as the Ministry prepares to take the next steps toward lot identification for beneficiaries.

According to the housing Ministry, Housing Minister Croal assured allottees of the new Wismar Housing Development, Phase One, that they will soon be able to identify and visit their house lots.
For the most part, the first phase of infrastructure works is completed, while land clearing has commenced in Phase Two.
“In another week, we will begin showing persons their lots,” the Minister confirmed. “By the end of November, all allottees can rest assured that they will be able to physically identify and see the specific lots allocated to them.”
Earlier this year, the Ministry conducted allocation exercises that significantly reduced the backlog of housing applications in Region Ten. Minister Croal noted that the Government remains committed to ensuring that beneficiaries transition from allocation to homeownership promptly.
Phase One of the development represents an investment of close to $2 billion, while Phase Two carries an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. Land clearing has already commenced for Phase Two, with contractors mobilised and timelines firmly in place.
“There is a completion target of May 2026, but we have engaged adequate contractors because we want to finish ahead of schedule,” the Minister said. He added that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, will soon meet with all contractors working on housing projects to ensure efficiency and quality delivery.

Minister Croal also reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing commitment to constructing 40,000 homes nationwide, noting that Region Ten will benefit directly from this programme.
“We want a strong push for homeownership. That is the bottom line,” he emphasised. “We are working to remove the stress and obstacles that families often face when building on their own. The goal is to create a system where people can own and occupy their homes more easily and quickly.”
He added that the Ministry will continue engagements, technical assessments, and planning to facilitate the commencement of home construction in the development.
Minister Benn also emphasised to contractors the importance of meeting deadlines to provide allottees with access.
The Ministers were accompanied by Regional Housing Officer Leticia Drakes, Head of Enforcement Nigel Hoppie, Community Development Director Gladwin Charles, and Senior Surveyor Shaquille Mayers, along with engineers and other technical officers attached to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
The Ministers’ day began with a brief engagement at the Regional Housing Office (RHO), located at Crabwood Street, McKenzie. The RHO visit provided Minister Benn with the opportunity to meet and interact with staff members stationed at the office.

During the engagement, Regional Housing Officer Letitia Drakes highlighted several practical recommendations aimed at enhancing both the comfort and efficiency of the workspace. These suggestions, she noted, will ultimately help to create a more accommodating environment for staff as well as residents who visit the office to conduct business.
Since the establishment of the Regional Housing Office in Linden, the Ministry has placed strong emphasis on ensuring adequate staffing and improving service delivery to meet the needs of the growing population. The office currently provides vital land allocation, processing, and community development support to residents of Linden and surrounding communities, including Kwakwani.
The Ministers’ visit forms part of ongoing efforts to assess operations across the region, strengthen community engagement, and ensure that services are delivered in a timely and effective manner.