The first thirty beneficiaries of the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme on Monday received their vouchers, during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally and Chief Executive Officer of the CHPA, Sherywn Greaves addressed beneficiaries at the activity.
This initiative is the brainchild of President Irfaan Ali, to provide support for Guyanese seeking to construct their homes, whether on government-allocated or private lands. Homes estimated at $6 million and below can benefit from one sling of cement and steel. A release from the CHPA said that builders with estimates between $6 million and $25 million will benefit from two slings of cement.
The release said that to date, the agency has received 1034 applications from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten. Out of these, 697 verification/field visits were conducted, 397 were recommended and 134 were approved for distribution, while the other applications are being processed. Monday’s distribution will see at least $10.5 million pumped into the economy. Within the next two weeks, the Ministry aims to distribute at least 500 vouchers to persons who would have satisfied the programme criteria. Beneficiaries can select from a list of suppliers in their area, the release said. All suppliers are required to sell the construction materials at the same price, the CHPA added.
