Georgetown: The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Housing, has undertaken economic expansion and growth through the pro-poor approach, which ensures the poor and the vulnerable in society are given an additional opportunity to ensure that issues in equality are addressed and the gap between those who have and those who do not is not an extraordinary one, but one that can easily be managed.
This strategy was demonstrated recently, as several Core Homes were officially handed over in Westminister Phase 1, La Parfaite Harmony Housing Development, West Bank of Demerara.
During the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, His Excellency Presdent Donald Ramotar assured that, this Ministry of Housing initiative, which serves an important social function will be expanded come this year.
He said, “We will be expanding this year on this initiative as it is one of the most important social facilities that we are doing because it gives a sense of security to the family and the children to do their studies. It helps that there is no landlord calling for rent that is due to put them out. They can plan their lives better. We want to expand on this initiative in all the regions of the country and in the interior.”
While interacting with the beneficiaries, the Head of State expounded on the numerous benefits these and other programmes have on individuals and the society as a whole, by catering for the economic expansion and allowing families to have disposable income and ensuring that the use of resources is maximized.
“The core homes offer households an excellent opportunity to restructure their lifestyle,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali explained that The ‘Core House Pilot’ is one such project which is aimed at addressing occupancy and issues of affordability, through the construction of 400 cores homes across the country.
Alluding to the expansion of the home, Ali said “This is what the government wants to encourage, beneficiaries of core homes to maximize their savings as a result of this investment on your behalf, which in time will enable you to expand the home.”
He said too that the Government has invested more than $800,000 per household in the development of lots in that area.
Ali emphasized too that the expansion of the Housing Programme is in keeping with the vision of His Excellency and the realization of the manifesto promises.
Minister Ali accompanied the Head of State on a walkabout of the area and visits to several beneficiaries.
The 103 Core Homes constructed throughout the area were completed at an average cost of $2,912,621 each , which gives an overall cost of $300,000,000 with individual beneficiaries contributing $100,000 for the construction of their homes; approximately 423 persons will be housed in the 103 homes.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony Mr. Sheldon Murray and his family took the time to thank the Government and the Ministry of Housing for the opportunity to own their own home and to improve their standard of living.
“This is a great day for me and my family. We were able to own our home and eventually expand and make it a better living space. We want to thank the Government for this chance and hope that this programme can continue,” Mr. Murray explained.
The Murray family consists of Mr. Murray, his wife Kavita and their six children.
The Second Low Income Settlement Programme, which is funded by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and which is currently being implemented by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), has as one of its component the implementation of pilot projects to address issues of affordability and sustainability in housing.
The ‘Core House Pilot’ is one such project which is aimed at addressing occupancy and issues of affordability, through the construction of 400 cores homes across the country.
Through this pilot programme the government provides an alternative to affordable housing for low income earners.
The core unit, designed by the CHPA, is a modest 330 square foot timber and concrete structure with no internal partition walls, except for the enclosed sanitary block comprising a toilet, and shower.
The unit which is elevated three feet from ground level and lends itself to easy expansion as the occupant is able to afford. It is outfitted with a basic kitchen sink and electrical wiring and plumbing.
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