Fifty-two persons from across the Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) district yesterday benefitted from the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA) steel and cement subsidy amounting to some $15 million.
The subsidy vouchers were handed over to the beneficiaries by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sherwyn Greaves, and Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva. Croal was at the time conducting a housing outreach in the region at the regional state house.
So far, 26 persons each benefitted from two slings of cement while the other 26 each benefited from steel rods. According to Minister Croal a total of 500 persons from the Region will benefit from the subsidy by the end of March.
During his address to the large gathering, he remarked that Region Two is the first rural district to benefit from the subsidy which began in Region Four. Further, he recalled that the support programme was launched in 2022 by President Irfaan Ali at the Building Expo with the aim of cushioning the cost of infrastructure for residents.
Meanwhile, CEO Greaves noted that the distribution came at an opportune time and that subsidy is a perfect start for those building their houses. This, he posited, shows the importance of Region Two to the agency in its quest to help persons.
The recipients of the subsidy expressed their appreciation and thanked the ministry and the president for the initiative.
One beneficiary Andrew Moore, a father of four from Lima said that he is thankful. He said that he is currently building his house and as such the subsidy will help greatly and allow him to save more money.
A father of two, Jagdeo Dadolall, of Pomona village also informed that he is currently building his house. He said that the money that was used to purchase cement will now be used to purchase something else around his house.
Arjune Persaud also expressed similar sentiments while thanking the several stakeholders for the assistance.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva said that she is happy for the housing outreach and that she too was glad that Region Two was the first out of town area to benefit from the subsidy.
