Five ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) received keys to new homes at Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo last week as part of a an ongoing partnership between Habitat for Humanity Guyana; the Ministry of Housing and the army to assist ranks with affordable housing.
GDF Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best speaking at the simple handing over ceremony noted that the army is working towards increasing the acquisition of land for ranks to ensure that all members of the army live comfortably.
A Habitat for Humanity press release quoted Best as saying that the army is committed to addressing the issue of poverty housing among ranks. He also commented on how pleased he was that the families were moving into the homes.
Chairman of the Management Board at Habit for Humanity, Alex Graham remarked that the GDF has the capacity to play an integral role in various aspects of the housing response while pointing out that the army can also help in the building of homes for persons outside the GDF family.
Graham said that poverty housing is a complex one noting that improved delivery systems form only one part of the response. He added that land policy; squatter settlements transformation, and a definition of minimum housing standards are among the areas that require advocacy.
