The Ministry of Housing on Tuesday launched a new Foundation Programme to help house lot allottees in the Leonora and Meten-Meer-Zorg Housing Schemes begin construction of their homes.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Housing Collin Croal said the initiative forms part of the government’s commitment to move beyond simply allocating house lots by providing practical support that enables more Guyanese to become homeowners.
He noted that while the public often sees the final handover of homes and house lots, significant work goes into preparing housing schemes, including subsidising land, installing utilities and developing road networks.
“Every single day…the real work is what you don’t see, as to how we get to these occasions,” Minister Croal said.
Addressing beneficiaries, the minister explained that everyone invited to the programme had one thing in common. He said they had already been allocated house lots but had not yet started construction.
“All of you here have one commonality. You were allocated. You have your land, but you have not built…We want to therefore launch an initiative that can help you,” he stated.
Minister Croal said many allottees encounter challenges finding contractors, securing labour, and managing varying construction costs.
To address these issues, the government is introducing three standardised reinforced concrete foundation options priced at $600,000 for a 400-square-foot foundation, $800,000 for a 600-square-foot foundation, and $900,000 for a 950-square-foot foundation.
He stressed that the programme is optional and does not prevent beneficiaries from building traditionally or hiring contractors of their choice.
“What we are doing today does not take away from you also engaging private contractors and building on your own methodology,” he explained.
Representatives from Demerara Bank, Republic Bank, GBTI, and Citizens Bank were also present to provide information on financing and loan prequalification to interested beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative complements other government housing programmes, including the steel and cement voucher initiative launched in 2022, under which close to $1 billion has already been disbursed to assist homeowners.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn said the programme reflects the government’s continued efforts to support allottees in transitioning from land ownership to homeownership by providing additional opportunities to commence construction.
The Foundation Programme is being piloted for allottees in the Meten-Meer-Zorg and Leonora housing schemes. It is expected to be expanded to other areas across the country.