With a growing demand for housing by Guyanese, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is once again hosting a housing expo to showcase affordable housing options.
Opened at Prospect, East Bank Demerara, under the theme “Embracing the ‘Prospect’ of Affordable Living, opening doors while opening minds,” the expo aims at highlighting government’s commitment to provide low income housing opportunities.
Hundreds of potential homeowners, inclusive of young professionals, yesterday flocked the Prospect Housing Scheme, and many were elated to learn of the affordable housing options.
Fifty model units built by the CH&PA, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Defence Force and private developers are currently being showcased.
During the opening ceremony for the three-day expo, Minister of Communities with the responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, announced that the expo also looks to create an avenue for potential homeowners and financial institutions to engage in discussions of financing and increase occupancy levels in existing schemes.
Adams-Patterson disclosed that her ministry decided to stage the open house event since persons would have indicated that they are unable to purchase homes at a cost of $6.5 million.
“In the past, some people said to us, I cannot afford a $6.5 million house or $7 million. We know you can afford a $4 million house and we are showing you what you can do with that $4 million,” she said, while explaining that the event caters for families within the low income bracket.
“This open house event highlights one element of government’s efforts to make housing affordable to families within the low income bracket; demonstrating what may be achieved with a “small” amount of money,” she disclosed.
The homes being showcased carry the price tags of $4 million, $6.5 million and $9 million. These prices, the minister noted, that can meet the needs of applicants within the low income to middle income ranges.
She pointed out that while some of the homes constructed cater for middle-income earners, her agency’s “focus is on providing housing solutions for low income applicants.”
Adams-Patterson also pointed out that the homes can be constructed anywhere once the applicant qualifies for a mortgage.
“If an applicant qualifies for a $4 million mortgage, they can choose CH&PA’s unit or one designed or built by a private developer. For those choosing a CH&PA design, we will provide them with the prerequisite drawing and Bill of Quantities, at a small fee of $3,000,” the minister announced.
Low occupancy
Further, Minister Adams-Patterson said the CH&PA is also aiming to address low occupancy in developing housing schemes. She said the event provides a link for landowners to meet with contractors, building suppliers, financial institutions and insurance companies, making it easier for home ownership to be a reality.
“Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to increase occupancy rates in our communities, while providing a marketing platform to our partners,” she stressed.
On this note, the minister announced that the CH&PA will also look to repurchase unoccupied lands from owners and re-allocate it to persons ready to construct homes. She indicated that across the country, the demand for land is high and this is one instance in which they can look to reduce the demand.
“If you know people who have a house lot and they are not occupying all these years, come in and sell it back to us, we going to buy it for the same price we sold it to them for no profit and resell or let them sell to you if the 10 years past… we have too much persons not utilising their lands around the country,” she emphasised.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA Lelon Saul said $100 million was spent on land preparation and infrastructure development for the new housing scheme.
“In November 2018, we awarded contracts for land preparation and infrastructure development of $100 million [to] Khemraj Nauth Contracting, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc and La Rose Electrical and Supplies Limited for the electrical network,” Saul disclosed.
He pointed out that $84 million in contracts were awarded to Architect Designs and construction R. Kissoon Contracting Service and Cecil Kissoon for the construction of 20 units of the model house.
The remaining units were constructed by private contractors.
In brief remarks, Saul pointed out that “there is a great demand for housing and, therefore, it is incumbent on us to enter into private-public partnership which will assist to respond to the demands.”
Saul also stated that condominiums will be added to the CH&PA’s housing models, as they aim to address affordable housing. “We are compelled to move beyond single units and duplexes and as such, condominiums will be added to some of our new developments,” he declared.
On Monday, one potential home owner will have the opportunity to win the ministry’s energy efficient house during a drawing. Contestants have to be applicants who are pre-qualified for a low-income house lot.
The one-bedroom wooden house will also receive furnishing from the CH&PA, Minister Adams-Patterson announced.
It was also disclosed that additional housing units will be constructed by the CH&PA following the conclusion of the open house.
The exhibition site is open from 10 am to 5pm. Admission is free.
