Eighty-three-year-old Jennifer Klass says she is elated to finally be a proud homeowner, having received the keys to her new home.
A release from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) said that Klass is among four low-income household families who on Wednesday received keys to their $5m Core Home, under the Government of Guyana and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme. Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal on Wednesday presented the keys to the families at the site of their new homes. The beneficiaries are Shabina Haniff of Lot 393 Hope, Klass of Lot 81 Sparendaam, Egland Campbell of Lot 100 Sparendaam, and Nigel Ralph of Lot 51 Goedverwagting.
The release said that for decades, Klass lived with relatives on a family property, but things went downhill after she lost everything to a fire some time ago. “I am happy to finally own something of my own, a place I can call home and be comfortable,” Klass told reporters.
Campbell lauded the initiative, saying he allowed the process to work, and it was all worth the wait.
According to Minister Croal, 95 homes have been completed under this programme. He noted that despite some hiccups, the programme is now back on track to deliver a total of 323 Core Homes to vulnerable families.
“I am pleased to say that the intended target audience is being met, and we have worked with the IDB to ensure this, as you know there was an issue with the rising cost of construction materials and the IDB agreed to increase the sum for each unit”.
Also, the Home Improvement Subsidy was increased from $500,000 to $750,000. The Minister also noted that the other aspects of the programme, including the upgrading of community facilities and infrastructure, are moving apace.
Under the Core Home initiative, 71 beneficiaries have been selected from villages that fall within the project boundary on the East Coast of Demerara.
