Model homes constructed from recycled materials as well as 3D printing are among the innovative housing solution expected to be on display when the Ministry of Housing and Water hosts its International Building Expo next month.
At a press conference on Friday, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal announced that eight model homes, including a low income environmental friendly home, would be constructed. He explained that the home will be constructed from 100% recycled trash. “It is a special class that is intended to be established here. So on display this house will have a combination of trash, basically from the landfill site using a unique process melted down but will be waterproof,” Croal explained, while noting that the house will be about 600 square feet.
According to the minister, the home will be constructed by a company from Mexico, which is exploring the establishment of operations here. When asked the name of the company, the minister said that information will be revealed at a later date.
He did, however, state that they have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding and the company has been in discussion with Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
“They are looking to set up a factory. In fact, they have met the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development because the landfill site falls under that ministry to talk about the future of utilising the waste here [for housing],” Croal related.
In addition, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, who was also present at the news conference, announced that another international company is already in process of shipping a 3D printer to Guyana to construct a model house.
She told Stabroek News that a consortium is behind the initiative and like Croal she, too, said that more information on the company will be revealed in the lead up to expo.
She was nonetheless quick to note that the group is looking to be a part of the expo providing there Are no hiccups with the shipment to cause a delay.
“This expo will put on display and give you a blueprint map out of Guyana’s architectural future. We promise to take you on that journey of what Guyana will look like… prepare yourself to be fascinated and amazed by what you will see…,” she added.
Preparations are well underway and on schedule for the hosting of the event, which will be held from July 22 to July 24 at the Guyana National Stadium, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, under the theme, “A new frontier for building a One Guyana”.
Rodrigues added that during the expo patrons will be able to walk through constructed homes and experience its environment.
She also noted that the expo will advance the ministry’s vision of creating opportunities for home owners and move away from house lots allocation. The ministry, she added, is aiming provide quality housing options within a sustainable community.
There are accommodations for 300 booths and the ministry announced yesterday that over 200 have already been secured and the others are going fast.
It was noted that a few sponsorship slots remain open and interested parties are being asked to establish contact with the Building Expo Secretariat. Persons can access information on the expo’s website: buildingexpo.gy
In addition, the expo will feature a vision tunnel highlighting the transformation of Guyana, taking patrons on a journey to witness the changes in the country’s landscape. The tunnel will not only focus on the housing sector but other sectors as well.
Apart from booths being set up, construction of model homes has begun and will be completed in time for the expo.
The expo will not only focus on building solutions in Guyana but also feature inputs from regional business in the sector.
To date the ministry has partnered with Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), E-Networks, Torginol Paints and Unicomer Guyana (Courts). E-Networks will be the official internet and technology partner for Building Expo, while Torginol Paints will be featured as official choice of paint and will be used on all model homes on showcase.
During the press conference yesterday, GBTI announced two new products that will be launched during the expo. These include its ‘Switch Mortgage’ programme, which allows an individual with an existing loan at another bank to move over and the bank will cover the outstanding payments while the individual pays installments to GBTI. The bank expects the programme to be competitive as it is offering lower mortgage rates and no transfer fees.
The company is also preparing to launch its equity programme, where homes can be used as equity for finances to support new ventures.
Pamela Binda, GBTI’s Public Relations Officer, added that persons who are prequalified for a GBTI housing loan would be eligible to win a brand new Toyota SUV at the expo.
During the launch of the expo, which returns after a seven year hiatus, President Irfaan Ali had said “Building Expo gives one the opportunity to understand the transformational changes in the country in the context of infrastructure and construction… if you are not part of Building Expo, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity that will put you in contact with tens of thousands of people. There is nothing in a marketing budget that Building Expo won’t give you and give you faster.”
“…The Building Expo is designed to showcase the development trajectory of the government from a construction perspective. So that a person in the private sector, in the banking sector, in the commercial sector, can align their own vision and align their own business model with the direction in which the government is going,” he added.
