Residents of Charity, Region Two, had the opportunity to directly engage with the Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, this afternoon. The forum provided an important platform for community members to voice their concerns on housing, water, infrastructure and other sectors—all of which were directly addressed by the Minister.
Minister Croal was accompanied by the Regional Chairman, Ms. Vilma De Silva; Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Gladwin Charles and other officials.
During the engagement, Minister Croal reassured residents of the government’s unwavering commitment to working alongside the people. He highlighted that at least 95% of the administration’s manifesto promises have already been fulfilled, underscoring the government’s dedication to delivering on its commitments and making Guyana a better nation for future generations.
“Now more than ever, the future for young people is bright, their future is secure,” Minister Croal stated.
Reflecting on the administration’s progress since taking office in 2020, the Minister emphasized the government’s focus on expanding first-time water access and improving water quality. He noted that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has made significant strides in the region, including upgrading the Lima Water Treatment Plant, tripling its output from 5 to 15 MLD and residents now enjoy 24-hour water service.
Further enhancements to the regional water supply are also on the horizon. The new Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant is set to become operational soon, while work has commenced on another plant at Maria’s Delight. Once completed, these projects will provide 100% treated water access across the region. Additionally, GWI has deployed a PAT-rig to drill wells in the Pomeroon, ensuring that all communities benefit from reliable water access.
On the housing front, Minister Croal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the backlog of applications in Region Two. He highlighted the development of two new housing areas at Onderneeming and Charity (Buxton/St. Joseph) and provided updates on efforts to address squatting settlements. He acknowledged the ongoing drainage challenges in the Buxton/St. Joseph area, which have delayed access for allottees. However, he assured residents that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is actively working on a solution that will soon provide access to the allottees.
Beyond housing and water, Minister Croal emphasized that the government continues to invest heavily in education, healthcare, energy, social services, and agriculture to foster national development.
“Work is happening in every sector,” he affirmed, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese.