All pending applications in Region Two up to October 2025 will be cleared by 2027, as the government moves ahead with an aggressive housing expansion programme.
The announcement was made by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during the government’s public day held at the Essequibo Technical Institute in Anna Regina.
Scores of residents gathered at the facility to raise concerns about housing, land disputes, agriculture, contracts, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and other issues directly with government officials and cabinet ministers.
Addressing residents, Vice President Jagdeo said the government is currently developing nearly 4,000 house lots in the region, with allocations already being made to persons who applied before 2024.
As of October 2025, there are 2135 pending applications.
He explained that the government recently acquired additional lands in the Essequibo to facilitate future allocations and infrastructural development.
“But, if you applied between 2024 and 2026, we bought some land, because the government doesn’t have land on the Essequibo Coast”, he said, but not before stating that, “We bought some land, and we’re starting the infrastructure development. So, by the end of next year, everybody who has applied will get their land”.
Dr Jagdeo encouraged residents who have not yet applied for house lots to do so, noting that applicants who submitted applications before 2024 were highly likely to receive allocations immediately.
Additionally, the Vice President further updated residents on the government’s small contractors’ pre-qualification programme, revealing that more than 12,000 persons nationwide have already been pre-qualified online for small government contracts.
According to Jagdeo, the first round of contracts for the region has already been awarded, while additional contracts are expected to be distributed before the end of the year.
“But others who are on that pre-qualified list, they don’t have to worry because they will get [contracts]. There will be many other rounds before the end of the year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament and Toshao of Bethany Village, Sonia Latchman, described the outreach as an important initiative that allows residents to engage directly with government officials.
She said the outreach reflects the government’s commitment to remaining connected to citizens.
“Our government is one that is people-centred, and we are bringing services to the people of Region Two,” she added.
Resident Shurwayne Holder also highlighted the importance of direct engagement between government officials and citizens.
“Well, it brings the people and government face-to-face, eye-to-eye,”. He stated that such outreaches can allow residents to have concerns addressed more efficiently.
Among those attending the outreach was a single mother from Reliance who said she arrived early in hopes of advancing her housing application.
“I’m a single mom of two, and I really need this, so that’s why I came out today,” she said.
She added, “I want to give my children a home of their own.”