Construction has commenced on the much-heralded Silica City located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and according to a release yesterday from the Department of Public Information (DPI), 74 of the 110 contracted young professional houses are in the foundational stage.
This is the government’s first ‘smart’ urban city that will be developed in the country and is the brainchild of President Irfaan Ali.
The government is investing $3 billion in the construction of the 110 houses.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited the area on Tuesday where he inspected the ongoing works.
“We have the first set of 110 contracted houses to be built. In fact, 74 of those units have commenced. And within the next two weeks, the remaining 36 will start,” the minister told DPI.
The young professional homes will be constructed in four distinct styles, comprising two-flat units valued at $25,200,603 and $25,290,178, and two elevated units priced at $33,980,153 and $34,450,145.
Croal added that other infrastructural work has been done, despite the challenges encountered by the engineers and contractors. This includes the establishment of roads and drains to accommodate proper irrigation. The ministry is also working to develop independent access to the city, which will add to its expansion.
“The first base infrastructure work has been done. Because the soil type is sandy, we would’ve had additional expenditure in terms of concrete drains. And we would’ve put the road as crusher run,” Croal explained.
The installation of electricity poles in the area to facilitate current flow has begun, and the ministry is currently in the procurement phase to drill an independent water well in the area, the DPI noted.
Asked if the houses being constructed have already been earmarked for persons, Croal responded that the process is in the pre-qualification phase.
“We do have a list of persons who have indicated an interest. So, we are first of all going through the pre-qualification phase. No, we have not allocated, but we will be moving to the next stage in regard to that.”
