Affordable housing high on govt’s agenda
– says Prime Minister Phillips
Prime Minister, Hon Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips says providing affordable housing for Guyanese is high on the Government’s agenda. The Prime Minister was at the time delivering the feature address at the Government’s trademark land allocation housing initiative ‘Dream Realised’ at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, Region Three.
A total of 1,500 house lots are expected to be delivered at the two-day event hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority.
Prime Minister Phillips said the Government is delighted to play a lead role in helping to foster the development of its people.
“Our Government is passionate about the development and progress of all our people and every day, we are formulating and implementing programmes, policies, plans which will benefit your life.”
The PM added: “Providing affordable housing is high on our agenda but our Government will not just allocate house lots to you and neglect it. We will provide all the infrastructure necessary for you to live comfortably in these locations. You will have the basics of running water, roads and electricity so that you and your families can live in dignity.”
Prime Minister Phillips assured the gathering that the Government will continue to work in their best interest. He pointed out that in the Emergency Budget, the Government reversed the value-added tax on building materials to make building homes more affordable.
The PM also pointed out that the Government increased the Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) ceiling for loans/mortgages to $30 million.
“Those who are applying for loans to build will no longer face the burden for hefty interest for up to $30 million. This measure which was passed in Parliament by our Government, has been welcomed greatly by all more so, young, first time homeowners who are now eager and positive about their futures. This means that more money is available to you and it also means we you can look forward to build decent, high-quality houses at an affordable cost.
Lots will be allocated in Edinburgh, Stewartville, Meten-Meer-Zorg and Anna Catherina in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region.
The Dream Realised housing drive is the brainchild of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Approximately 3,500 house lots have already been distributed.
During Christmas lunch with army personnel at the Base Camp, Ayanganna on Friday, President Ali announced that a housing programme will be tailored for them, and implemented from the Guyana Defence Force headquarters.
Members of the Guyana Police Force would also benefit from a “special housing programme, which will not only provide house lots, but also help personnel to qualify for loans and grants to construct their homes. The President had said this is part of the Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of its personnel.
Ministers of Housing and Water Hon. Collin Croal and Hon. Susan Rodrigues and CHPA’s Chief Executive Officer Sherwyn Greaves are also attending the event.
Government plans to create sustainable housing through the distribution of at least 50,000 house lots within the first term in office.