Residents of Houston Estate, a residential community, have registered their objections to a proposed condominium-style housing development within the area, claiming that the infrastructure for such a mega project will compromise the stability of their homes and create congestion, among other issues.
In a letter shared with this newspaper and addressed to the Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director Kemraj Parsram, and City Engineer Colvern Venture, the residents not only raised a number of concerns but sought information on zoning laws and environmental regulations for the project, which is being undertaken by Pritipaul Singh Jr and Guyana Port.
The letter, signed by close to 40 residents, claims that a development of such magnitude is not appropriate in any form or fashion for its proposed location. “We strongly object to it, individually and collectively. We are prepared to take all necessary actions to defend our civil rights under the Guyana Constitution, to safeguard our homes and families and protect the residential status where we and our families live,” it states, before requesting information and responses to the outlined concerns.
Information requested in the letter pertains to zoning status, permissions, licences, and construction and environmental regulations required for such a large-scale development. The letter sought to elicit official responses based on the proximity of the proposed project to established family homes within an existing residential area.
Independent and experienced engineers, who were independently consulted by the group, have categorized such a massive project as one of industrial proportions. The engineers also further advised the group that such a project will require substantial drilling of piles for its foundation. “It will compromise and damage the structure of homes directly bordering and abutting the proposed sites,” the group highlighted. The group was even more concerned that the proposed renderings do not mention the neighbouring properties or pre- and during construction impact on the residents. “We are drawing this matter to your attention, Hon. Minister, and to the attention of the Chief City Engineer & City Engineers Office, and to the Executive Director of the EPA in order to seek information as to the governing regulations and the impacts of such a development in the middle of our long-standing residential area,” the letter added.
The residents pointed out that the proposed development will have cumulative impacts on the community as a result of the noise and air pollution during construction phase and impacts from continuing noise, traffic and parties when completed.
The letter stated that such a project will gravely impact their health and safety, wellbeing and human environment. They raised additional concerns over the inability of the Guyana Fire Service to fight any major fire from such a development.
The residents further underscored that the location of such an enterprise will lead to increased traffic congestion, only worsening the existing traffic hazards on the East Bank Public Road. They pointed out that the small, private, residential access road that leads to their homes [from the Public Road] will not be able to withstand the increased traffic onslaught but will more than likely inconvenience residents who already live there.
“We are, therefore, seeking information from you, the relevant authorities, as to the legal and official status of this proposed development and of the regulatory processes required for the granting of any and all required permits, licenses etc. to Mr. Pritipaul Singh Jr., his company, his contractors and his investors,” the residents stated.
Further, the residents reminded the authorities that under the precautionary principle of the Environmental Protection Act there are strict standards for noise pollution, for air quality and dust pollution. They called on the EPA to utilise the Section of the Act to protect them as citizens and residents from the cumulative impacts of the development.
Contacted for a comment on the residents’ concerns, Singh Jr said that he had no comment to offer.
At the recently concluded International Building Expo, where the development was showcased, Singh Jr, had said the latest condominium-styled housing development was in a bid to satisfy the current demand for upscale accommodation. The project, ‘Houston Towers’, will attract an investment of US$140 million, which includes cost of construction and furnishings. The four-building condominium complex will offer five-star living and is to be constructed on two acres of prime property at Houston, East Bank Demerara.
“The idea of Houston Towers came about with the fact of the large developments with real estate in Guyana. There’s a huge demand currently, as you already know, with multiple hotels being put up to accommodate for the influx of ex-pats and Guyanese returning to Guyana,” Singh said, before explaining, “We thought it would be important for us to take the advantage since we own two acres of real estate in the Houston Estate area. We want to take advantage of that opportunity to give Guyanese and non-Guyanese the opportunity to a different form of living and that’s a condominium-style community.” The property is being constructed under Singh’s company, Guyana Port, which was incorporated in 2019 and provides dry-docking facilities to execute ship repair services and maintenance. Construction of the first tower is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2023 with 2024 being the proposed date for completion. The first tower will be 11 stories high and will have approximately 24 units, and an estimated three to four penthouses. The entire complex is expected to be completed by 2030 and will feature luxurious, and sustainable finishes. The highest tower will stand 17 stories high.
When completed the entire property will have 340 rooms with units offering single and double-bedroom options. Each tower will also feature terrace space with scenic aerial views of the area and be available for family gatherings and barbeques. The property will have two floors dedicated to parking. The units will be available for rent or sale depending on the requirements of the prospective owner(s). Additionally, the real estate developer explained that the building will feature a commercial space outfitted with eateries, coffee shops and indoor pool and fitness centre, concierge, mail and parcel room, a party and business function room, outdoor lounge, and a conference room among others.
