The government is continuing with its broader agenda to provide sustainable and affordable housing for Guyanese, and this time around it has set its sights on Mabaruma Township, Region One (Barima-Waini), where some 17 acres of land are being developed to create approximately 90 residential lots, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated yesterday.
During a site visit on Monday, President Irfaan Ali disclosed that the Ministry of Housing and Water has already completed the design layout based on the initial plan for the development. Work in the area is expected to progress rapidly, with significant advancements projected within the next six months, the release noted.
“In six months, we will be back here to demonstrate… how development takes place. In the design layout, there will be a special effort on keeping all the big trees because that is an important part of the ecosystem that we want to build here,” President Ali stressed.
He pointed out that the ministry will be exploring with the community and the prospective allottees whether they want turn key housing or the house lot. Further, given the current demand for land, the president stated that the government will continue to seek additional lands in the Mabaruma sub-region to meet the housing needs of residents, adding, “So far, in this region, we have spent $1.5 billion on housing infrastructure. This will add to that investment.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal echoed the limited availability of land in the sub-region, noting that the government occasionally engages with private landowners to facilitate government projects.
“…Immediately, we will start engaging [everyone]. From the physical side, we want to start work this year. We have invested a lot in Mabaruma…We have a lot of persons who are looking for occupancy here.”
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, were also at the site inspection, the release added.
