100 free houses for vulnerable families in Region 9

A total of 100 houses will be constructed this year in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) as the Hinterland Housing Programme is set to resume.

The houses will be allocated free of cost to the most deserving residents following consultations with the communities in the region, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal told the News Room.

This year, 10 communities in Region Nine will be selected as part of the first phase of the programme with 10 houses being constructed in each community.

“Consultations will begin in the new month in those areas that have been identified to come up with the most vulnerable in the community so that we can assist,” Croal said.

The programme will resume in the four main hinterland regions of Guyana: Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

Croal explained that materials and labour will be sourced from within the communities where the houses are being constructed in order to boost the local economy.

“For example, in Region Nine, for suitability and cost, it is advisable we can use the clay blocks because you get that at a cheaper rate here and so you would find most of our houses constructed using that kind of material,” Croal said.

The Housing Minister noted that everything is set up and work is ready to commence as part of the programme.

“The programme is done purely through the Ministry of Housing and Water and Central Planning and Housing Authority but the overall cost to the beneficiary is free so that’s why we target the vulnerable,” Croal said.