Gov’t allocates 400 more house lots to Lindeners

The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), allocated 400 house lots on Friday at the Amelia’s Ward Phase Four/Conception Fitz Hope Housing Development in Linden, Region Ten.

The land allocation exercise, held at Watooka Guest House, was led by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.

The recipients expressed joy and relief at finally acquiring properties. Melissa McKinnon, one of the allottees, shared her excitement about owning land again after enduring significant personal challenges.

“I am excited now that I get back a land. When you have your own land, it helps you to motivate yourself where you can do your business or whatever,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

For Paula White, a single mother of five who waited 12 years, the allocation marked a turning point. She is currently residing in a rented house with her family. “I can’t explain how I’m feeling right now. I am so happy. Everything is falling in place. We were hoping and praying for this for a very long time,” White said.

Lisa Robertson, a mother of two, who has always dreamed of owning her land, applied for her house lot in 2012.

“I’ve rented for a number of years…For those years, I was privileged to live in my cousin’s home, with the hope of having my own land…” she said. Robertson added, “It is an achievement, It is a moment to celebrate, It is something that I have longed to experience. They [her children] will help me build [the house],” she expressed.

Chef Alica Walcott, who waited several years, plans to construct a restaurant on her newly allocated land.

She noted, “I feel overwhelmed because I did this application 16 years ago and I’ve never been called. Before now, I [thought] that my application got lost. And then, they called me on Tuesday. I am beyond grateful.”

Minister Croal highlighted the ministry’s efforts to address housing needs in the region, noting that approximately 3,500 applications remain pending.

He said, “We have spent quite a bit of time addressing squatting…I am pleased about the progress we are making in Region Ten…In four and a half years, we have allocated close to 1,500 lots in Region Ten.”

Meanwhile, Minister Rodrigues explained that Conception Fitz Hope can accommodate both residential and commercial lots, with areas designated for schools and health facilities.

“We have work that is continuing in Conception Fitz Hope. We have allocated a portion of that area already. All of these areas will become accessible in the new year…The ministry has been very instrumental in ensuring that we deliver homeownership” she added.

Lindeners were also engaged by Ministers Croal and Rodrigues on issues relating to to housing, water and other matters.

Last Friday, 600 allottees received their house lots at the New Wismar Housing Development in Region Ten.  Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves was also in attendance at the housing outreach.