A total of 1,600 persons are expected to be allocated house lots in a two-day period (April 11-12), as the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority’s kickstarts its 60th ‘Dream Realised’ Housing Drive. The event is ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The exercise forms part of the government’s ongoing commitment to reducing the housing backlog and delivering on its promise of affordable housing for all through its 2020-2025 strategic housing plan. It addresses 2019 and prior applicants of Region Four who were contacted by the agency.
Present are key officials, including Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Susan Rodrigues; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bishram Kuppen; Chairman of the Board of Directors-CH&PA, Dr. Emanuel Cummings; Director of Operations-CH&PA, Mrs. Denise King-Tudor, and Vice-Chairman of the Better Hope/LBI NDC, Mr. Haroon Khan.
The house lots are being allocated in the second phase of new housing developments located at Success, Chateau Margot, Le Ressouvenir, and Felicity on the East Coast of Demerara.
Day one focuses on applicants in the low-income and moderate-income categories, with 1,000 allocations expected to be processed. The remaining 600 allocations, set for tomorrow, will cater to middle-income and high-income applicants.
Scenes from house lot allocations and Land Title/Transport presentations on Day One:
Allottees of these schemes can expect to begin accessing their lands before the end of the year, following infrastructure works. Contracts for the infrastructure have already been awarded and contractors are currently mobilizing. These housing areas are being designed with modern planning in mind, featuring road networks, green spaces, recreational facilities, and access to essential services.
In addition to land allocations, the Ministry will also have available over 500 Land Title Certificates/Transports over the two days for allottees of Non Pariel, De Endragt, Bladen Hall, La Reconnaissance, Strathspey, La Bonne Intention, Annandale, Cummings Lodge, Industry and Good Hope. This initiative is a key step toward empowering beneficiaries with legal ownership and supporting their ability to access financing.
On day two, close to 70 Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers will also be presented to landowners who previously applied for the subsidy programme.
In support of homeownership readiness, banking institutions and insurance companies are also present on-site to offer guidance on mortgage financing and related services to new allottees.