By Mia Anthony
Anticipation is high for this year’s 2024 International Building Expo which will be held under the theme “Building on the foundation of sustainability and unity”. It is scheduled for the month of August and is expected to be bigger, better, and feature more sustainable and ecofriendly housing solutions on par with the Government of Guyana’s low carbon development strategy.
Speaking at the launch of the Expo, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, disclosed that his ministry is on track to achieving their target of the allocation of 58,000 house lots in five years, with the number of allocations to date standing at 23,000.
The minister noted the critical importance of affordable housing and acknowledged President Irfaan Ali’s involvement with the ministry which led to the construction of as many houses. To date a total of 1,687 houses have already been handed over, while some 1,500 houses currently under construction and nearing completion.
Croal posited that this achievement is a result of the government along with industry partners who keep the housing sector alive. He thanked the banks, contractors, insurance companies, and both local and international business that help keep the housing industry robust, calling these partnerships “beautiful.” He noted despite the seemingly slow nature of the housing drive, his ministry continues to prove that anyone can be a home owner despite their status. “Although it may seem elusive at times, slowly we are proving that anyone, no matter their circumstances, can change their status to having a home.”
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, in her remarks at the launch event, shared that the “dream realized” land allocation and title distribution program will continue at this year’s expo and will be one of the central features, stating, “Over two days of the expo, thousands of Guyanese are expected to receive house lots and certificates of title.” She added that this will allow those prospective homeowners to have a chance to join the already 34,000 recipients of house lots over the past three years.
Rodrigues stated that Silica City will once again take centre stage as it is Guyana’s premier sustainable low- carbon climate resilient city. She pointed out that President Ali has put together a team of urban planners, architects, and environmentalists, through a collaboration with the University of Miami and one of the world’s leading architectural design companies to work on a project in Silica city, stating that it is about low carbon development which is compatible with Guyana’s commitment made at COP 26.
The Minister put forward that new, modern, smart city, is needed given Georgetown’s geographic location with its attendant physical disadvantages.
She shared her elation at the prospects of the 2024 expo and reflected that the 2022 expo saw a turnout of 100,000 persons who visited the exhibition, while in 2023 an addition of 20,000 more persons totalled a turnout of a 120,000 persons. As such, for 2024, she expressed optimism for the same overwhelming support by both exhibitors and visitors.
Rodrigues also underscored the importance of the expo as it provides a space for networking between industry professionals, while showcasing the most recent developments in affordable low-carbon building techniques and solutions.
Also attending the launch was CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Bishram Kuppen; and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Komal Singh, as well as members the diplomatic corps and cabinet ministers.
Exhibition Packages
Ixora – $1.5 million. Includes one 20x10ft pre-fabricated container booth, 3 branded walls, one 20×1 company booth label, interior lights, electrical outlet, and air conditioning. Flags are an additional cost.
One Guyana Development Auditorium – $3 million. Includes a 20x10ft truss system booth, lighting, three branded walls, one 20x2ft company booth label, logistic and management support, 6 VIP invitations, air conditioning, electrical outlet, a One Guyana commemorative plaque, premium branding opportunities ( a logo strip on 20 billboards, logo on banner stands, logo on digital screen, logo at the airport).
Victoria Lily – $8 million. Includes one 10x20ft booth inside the auditorium, one 40 x40ft space in the housing community to build and display models, three branded walls, one company booth label, electrical outlets, premium branding opportunities (logo strip on 20 billboards, logo on arches, logo on digital screen, logo on stage, logo at the airport, an opportunity for a senior representative of the company to give a presentation at the conference, a commemorative plaque, 5 VIP invitations, and branding throughout the venue).
Frangipani – $2.5 million. Includes, one 20x 20ft tent on the tarmac, three branded booth walls, one 20x1ft company booth label, lighting, elevated flooring, and electrical outlet.
Hibiscus – $1 million. Includes one 20 x 20ft tent on the tarmac, lighting, and electrical outlet.
Heliconia – $450,000. Includes one 10x10ft booth space in the main auditorium, three branded booth walls, one 10 x1ft company booth label, and an electrical outlet.
Sunflower – $200,000. Includes one 10x10ft booth space in the main auditorium, walls on three sides, lighting, and electrical outlet.
The equipment zone is priced at $500,000 and is 40x40ft space to display heavy duty machinery used in building construction.
The small business market square – includes one 6x3ft table to display goods for the price of $20,000.
