Georgetown: The high level of success which was achieved in the design and implementation of the housing programme under the second Low Income Settlement (LIS) programme and more specifically the hinterland, has led to the formulation of a US$ 3.1 million new sustainable housing for hinterland programme to further improve the quality of life for several other communities.
The new programme which will be implemented by the Central Housing and Planning Authority will improve access to housing, energy and water by the beneficiary households. This was told to Amerindian Leaders attending the 2014 National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting. Communities in Regions One and Nine are to benefit from this new programme.
Housing Minister Irfaan Ali while addressing Amerindian Leaders on day two of the NTC meeting said, housing in the government’s view is an essential aspect of maintaining a sustainable pathway and improving livelihood.
Recently a pilot housing programme under the second LIS programme was completed and has been deemed a success in eight Amerindian communities. The project was designed to improve the housing conditions, and by extension, the quality of life of households in selected communities and provided subsidies for house construction and the replacement of deteriorated roofs to beneficiary families.
The success in this intervention in the hinterland was based on a participatory approach utilised by the government and the enthusiastic response from the beneficiary communities which were integrally involved in the design of the houses and in the actual construction.
Government provided the materials which were procured mainly from within the communities and the beneficiaries contributed their labour.
Two hundred and eight (208) households from eight communities in Regions One and Nine are now enjoying the benefits of improved housing, sanitation and access to cleaner water.
The subsidies under the programme facilitated the construction of 122, five hundred square foot houses, complete with rain harvesting system and sanitary facilities.
Additionally, 86 households benefited from new zinc roofs which replaced the thatched roofs which had deteriorated over time.
The results of this project have shown that the pilot has reduced overcrowding, improved access to safe drinking water, contributed to improved sanitary conditions of beneficiary families and has helped increase social cohesion in participating communities.
The project helped to create employment in the villages for over 100 persons, builders, lumber suppliers, and brick layers. The experience showed that hinterland communities have the ability to manage development initiatives.
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