Lusignan Family Receives Wheelchair-Accessible Home as More Core Homes Handed Over

Lusignan Family Receives Wheelchair-Accessible Home as More Core Homes Handed Over

Two East Coast Demerara families have received life-changing support through the Core Homes Support Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aimed at providing dignified living for vulnerable groups. One of these homes, located in Lusignan, has been specially modified for a wheelchair-bound resident.

The modified home was presented to Baburam Sanichar and his wife, Rajdularie Hookumchand, who became wheelchair-dependent after suffering a stroke. With her mobility drastically limited, Ms. Hookumchand relies entirely on others for basic movement in and out of their home. Their new residence features a ramp crafted to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, complete with a gentle incline and an adjoining concrete walkway, allowing easier access.

While handing over the houses on Friday, Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, emphasized the significance of the programme in reaching vulnerable populations and underscored its life-transforming impact. “It makes a difference for them,” Minister Croal said. “It’s a comfortable environment [and] a lasting environment for them to live better”. He highlighted that to date, 22 families along the East Coast corridor have received safe, affordable housing through this initiative.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal (left) and staff with Mr. Sanichar and his wife.

Mr. Sanichar said that the ramp and accessible layout is essential as he supports his wife’s needs. “It is better for me because I used to [lift] her,” he shared.

Additionally, 63-year-old Shauna Badrinauth received her new home in Mon Repos, marking the end of years of hardship and the beginning of newfound stability. Previously living in a flood-prone area, she faced constant struggles with water-damaged belongings and unsafe conditions. “Every time it rained, the place would be under water,” she said, recalling her past living conditions. Her new home now provides her with a dry, secure, and comfortable place to call her own.

Ms. Shauna Badrinauth (left) receives the keys to her new home from Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal.

Each Core Home, valued at approximately $5 million, includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, and indoor sanitary facilities. Beneficiaries contribute GYD $100,000 to construction costs. The Core Homes Support Programme, targets a total of 323 beneficiaries, has so far delivered 127 homes, with 188 more scheduled for construction. Contracts for 157 of these upcoming homes have been awarded. Applications for the initiative is closed and all beneficiaries selected. The programme’s boundaries span communities from Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank Demerara; up to Hope on the East Coast Demerara; and areas on the West Bank Demerara, including Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II.