Housing Ministry distributes record-breaking $13.9B in 199 contracts for houses, infrastructure

Over 50 contractors, 26 of whom are new, received contracts totaling $13.9B from the Ministry of Housing and Water to commence a series of infrastructural projects and the construction of some 290 homes in the first quarter of 2021.

The contracts, which are recording-breaking for the Ministry, were distributed at a simple ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday.

There, the contractors were repeatedly reminded of the government’s expectation of efficiency and value for money.

Some 190 elevated two-bedroom homes are to be built in Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara while another 100 flat two-bedroom homes will be constructed at Prospect, East Bank of Demerara.

More importantly, 80% of the $13.9 billion will be spent on infrastructure works in several regions across 21 communities.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) assured that all the projects followed the standard tendering process and were void of sole sourcing.

Also addressing the gathering was the Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues. She was the first to put contractors on notice that the contracts must be completed in a timely manner, to high standards of quality, and with value for money to the taxpayers.

Underscoring the historic nature of Tuesday’s awards, Rodrigues said the PPP/C government has now budgeted monies in excess of what was budgeted for the housing sector over the last five years.

“Simply put it is a demonstration that where there is a will there is a way,” she added.

Rodrigues was backed up by senior Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal who said that well over 8,000 allottees stand to benefit from these contracts upon completion.

He too expressed his expectation of efficiency and maximum quality.

“Housing had always been a priority of the PPP government and much is expected… we want you to put your best foot forward,” he said.

Croal also announced that the Ministry was working with the Guyana Water Inc to improve the access and quality of water in several villages and communities across the country.

Also present at the ceremony and delivering a charge to the contractors was Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

He recalled the PPP/C’s massive housing drive and the attention placed on the sector prior to 2015.

Dr. Singh credits the success of several new communities today to the hard work of then Minister of Housing and now President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali.