Twenty Eight Low-Income Families Allocated Homes in Berbice

Twenty Eight Low-Income Families Allocated Homes in Berbice

Twenty-eight (28) low-income families are now proud homeowners.

On Saturday, the families were allocated the first set of one hundred (100) homes being constructed by the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) to the tune of $750 million, at Hampshire, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).

The allocation exercise was facilitated at the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC). Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal; Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves; the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Narindra Persaud; and President of CCCC, Mr. Mohammed Raffik.

Minister Croal stated that the initiative is an aspect of addressing the backlog of applications in the regional housing system and ensuring that Berbicians have access to affordable housing.

“The Government understands that renting is hard on the Guyanese populace and for that reason we have created programmes like these, to ensure the delivery of more affordable housing programmes,” the Minister stated.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal (2nd right), CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves (1st right) and Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Narindra Persaud (left) share a moment with one of the families

The Minister further noted that the aim of the government is to deliver wholesome communities. As such, the housing scheme will be equipped with road and drainage networks, as well as, all of the necessary utilities such as water and electricity.

Each home is a two-bedroom flat unit, measuring 20 feet by 30 feet (600 square feet), with a kitchen, living room and toilet and bath facilities. It is being allocated to families at a cost of $5.5 million, inclusive of the cost of the land.

Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, underscored that the housing drive in the region has stirred significant economic activity and created employment opportunities.

“All of the contractors on this project are from Berbice, and as far as possible we ensured that all of the workers were Berbicians too and that all the materials were purchased in the Region Six area,” the CEO said.

A beneficiary selects her house lot from CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves

The new homeowners, who will begin occupying their homes in the coming weeks, lauded the project, as they stated it will improve their living standards.

“I have two kids and I’m living with my mother-in-law. So, I’m so happy to be separated and to be in my own private home,” said one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Osmond Gilead.

Another beneficiary, Ms. Samantha Paltoo, stated that the allocation means a brighter future and safer home for her family.

Construction for an additional fifty-nine (59) homes is expected to be commence before the end of the year. Land acquisition is also in progress to satisfy the regional housing needs.

 

 

Photos: Sydel Thomas, CHPA PR Dept.