Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 14, 2016 APNU Column, Features / Columnists
In our 2015 Manifesto, we stated that, ‘The APNU+AFC will initiate a policy called, “Renewing the Dream.” We committed ourselves to, ‘expand and upgrade housing development and facilitate home ownership, not just house lot distribution.”
We committed ourselves to building cohesive, empowered and sustainable communities, with all the infrastructure and amenities necessary to ensure that residents can have a dignified life. Having been chosen by the people of Guyana to form the current administration, our 2015 Manifesto has now become government policy. We remain devoted to that course of action.
Our administration has inherited a housing programme which is, truthfully, little more than a house lot distribution scheme. The system, such as it is, is fraught with flaws, delays and inefficiencies. There is a backlog of twenty-five thousand applications, more than six thousand of those in Demerara-Mahaica (Region # 4), alone. We will clear that backlog. We will fix the housing problems with lasting solutions.
The turnkey programme is similarly overcome with problems. Houses, completed before the change of government, are substandard. Many of the dwellings begin to fall apart within days of being occupied. The administration is dedicated to correcting these issues and righting these wrongs. Your government is of the view that people deserve value for their money.
We know that a house lot is not a home and a house without available electricity, water supply, nearby roads and access to transportation, is not conducive to dignified living. Our policy remains steadfastly devoted to the building of communities, where children can play in nearby playgrounds and young men and women have access to recreational facilities. Our goal remains to provide serviced lots within communities where there is provision of more than just basic infrastructure.
Unlike the former administration’s position that persons must be 21 years old to obtain a house or lot, we will lower the age to 18 years old. After all, at 18 one can get married, or obtain a driver’s licence. Indeed, one can vote at 18. Your government will end the disrespect of young Guyanese. Your government will take a fresh approach.
The system we inherited was not geared towards helping poor and disadvantaged Guyanese. In the past, persons, some of them earning only $75,000 per month, were told that only house lots costing $1.2 million were available. Some such persons were told that they must come up with $600,000 within one month, or lose the allocation.
We believe that this is grossly unfair. A caring government would never tolerate such injustices. Therefore, the APNU+AFC administration will make house lots and turnkey homes available at a reasonable cost that the applicant can afford. The money which the applicant pays will go towards building roads, drains and other necessary infrastructure. This administration has no interest in making a profit off the backs of poor people. We are in government to give to the people, not take from them.
In conclusion, your government will continue with infrastructure works in existing housing schemes, including the installation of electricity and provision of potable water. New housing developments will commence in areas such as Perseverance, Stewartville, Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Williamsburg, and Amelia’s Ward. In the 2016 budget currently before the National Assembly, we propose to spend $5.279 billion on the housing sector, 98.3% of the money going towards infrastructural works.
Hinterland development will also be a priority of your government. More than $644 million will be used to expand hinterland housing projects. The Ministry of Communities will implement the Sustainable Housing in the Hinterland Project, at a cost of USD$3.1 million, to be accessed through the Inter-American Development Bank. Guyanese throughout the country have reason to hope. Citizens can look forward to a bright future as the government implements a fresh approach to housing issues.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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