Contracts valued at an estimated $800M were signed yesterday for five new housing projects to be undertaken under the second phase of the Low Income Settlement Programme, which is expected to benefit over 11,000 people.
The projects, which are the result of a Housing Ministry-Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) partnership, will see the opening of two new housing areas and works to improve the infrastructure in three existing areas. The new areas which will be created are Belle West, Lots 1-2, Phase II, West Bank Demerara, Region 3 and No. 76, Lots 1-2, Phase II, Corentyne, Berbice. Works to be done there include construction of roads, structures, and installation of water distribution networks. While, upgrading of roads, drains and structures will be done at the existing areas at Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Block “D” Bath, West Coast Demerara.
Minster of Housing Irfaan Ali, at the contract signing at the Ministry’s boardroom, noted that although the ceremony was simple, it was significant because of the value it brought to the lives of 11,238 persons who are its beneficiaries. The Minister said that it is expected that 2,741 house-lots will be created through the projects.
IDB Housing and Development Specialist Ophelia Chevalier, in brief remarks, said “the signatures are proof of the fast rate of work being done at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).” She said that the IDB was proud to be associated with the project since it builds on the lessons learnt from Phase 1 and new ideas which have come to the fore. Additionally, she said “everything is going fast and well.”
Commenting on the partnership between the CH&PA and IDB, Ali said that the teamwork has led to the success of the projects undertaken so far. Further, he noted that the CH&PA has been able to build on lessons learnt from Phase I of the project, which include recognising the need for parallel development to support infrastructure.
While the project life cycle is listed as five years, Ali said that it was the aim of his Ministry to have it completed within three years. The benefits which will be derived from the housing areas include the creation of 17,000 house-lots, which will be available by next year. Currently, the Ministry has allocated 2,000 of its projected 5,000 lots—a target which Ali said will be easily met and there are hopes to expand the number. “No excuses will be accepted,” Ali told the contractors and he urged them to work diligently towards the completion of the projects by year end. “Performance is the only indicator of future engagements with us,” he said. Further, he reiterated their accountability to the people of the communities and told them that in addition to building roads they will be affecting lives. He added that a change of culture was needed if they were to be successful and told them that they needed to consider working at nights and using shift systems to meet their deadlines. He also reminded that their progress would be continuously monitored.
Ali indicated that by year end, more than 100 core homes will be completed and will lead to the enhancement of livelihoods. He said that the housing sector is growing and changing, therefore it was necessary to respond to these changes and the implementation of a housing policy is important. The aim of the projects is to include social amenities which would lead to development in an equitable manner. Ali also said the recently-concluded Building Expo showed the nexus between the housing sector and manufacturing industries and the room for linkages between the two sectors.
