Georgetown: The Central Housing and Planning Authority saw some 500 plus house lots being made available to citizens in a $1.2 billion housing scheme One Stop Shop aback the National Stadium.
It was noted that $60 million alone went into providing Providence Phase 3 with electricity. Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, who gave brief remarks at the event, noted that the price that persons were paying for the house lots which is between $1.5 million and $2 million, was heavily subsidised, contending that the original price was almost three times that amount.
Ali pointed out that already major development has been taking place in the scheme, noting not only the availability of electricity but also the asphalt roads in the community.
No resale
He also pointed out that the Government has intentions of running a major roadway from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) through the housing development. This would give residents more entrance and exit options.
Further, he pointed out the area is well poised to become a major commercial district, complete with malls, Banks, and a University that is already under construction. With that in mind, it was noted that the house lots in the area would appreciate greatly and their value would “skyrocket”.
However Ali warned the would-be house lot owners of the dangers of attempting to sell or lease the house lots, an act which is deemed illegal. He said that though persons will be approached and offered huge sums of monies for their house lots, they should not take it.
“From the time people know that you’re the owner of a house lot in that vicinity, they are going to offer you a lot of money for the land. This will be illegal and you will not be entitled to another piece of land. Don’t be lured into any offer that would seem rewarding now,” Minister Ali said.
When Guyana Times arrived at the event, persons were seen lining up cordially to sign up and collect numbers. The persons at the One Stop Shop would have been notified by the Ministry of the availability of house lots in the area and were invited to the event. These persons would have made applications for land at the Central Housing and Planning Authority from as far back as 2010.
This newspaper spoke to several of the persons there who all expressed joy at the opportunity to own their own land in the area.
One man who gave his name as Terrence went to the event with his wife and youngest son. Terrence explained to Guyana Times that he was elated to have the opportunity to “finally” own a plot of land and begin construction of his own home for his family.
He said: “I am really excited, I can’t wait to start building. If I could have started building today, I would have started; I just can’t wait to get the process over with.”
When asked whether he had visited the area the man responded in the negative, but said from the reviews he has heard thus far from persons who would have taken the time to visit, he is “certain it won’t disappoint… we love the area”.
A woman who has visited the scheme explained that she was blown away by what she saw. “They have proper roads and I saw lantern posts, so that means electricity and the drainage, everything is just there; is just for me to go and build now. I am really, really happy that I received what I wanted; it is a very nice area,” she said.
She further explained that she had applied a long while ago and to have the opportunity presented to her was a “blessing”. She too contended that she would soon commencing building, adding that she was looking forward to the area becoming a major district in the coming years.
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