First 100 houses at Silica City for construction this year

With the government keen on developing Silica City near the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday disclosed that construction of the first 100 houses there will start soon.

The President, during a community engagement activity at the Circuitville village on the highway, encouraged residents with the requisite skills to seek out employment opportunities- especially in the construction sector- that will be made available there in coming months.

“… we are building a number of houses in this area, 100 homes, starting very soon,” the President said.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal subsequently told the News Room that these 100 houses will be constructed at Silica City, Guyana’s second city.

Croal emphasised that the government is keen on advancing work at Silica City this year, noting that much of the land has already been cleared for construction.

On Tuesday, President Ali told reporters that Guyana will soon welcome Indian experts to help with the urban planning needed at the new city.

Last April, President Ali announced that developers from Singapore- whom he described as “the best in the business”- will help craft the city’s urban plans. Korean investors, during a trade delegation’s visit to Guyana November last, also expressed an interest in financing and developing this city.

Since 2013, the establishment of Silica City has been touted by President Ali, who was the Minister of Housing and Water then. It was highlighted that this city could be located near the Linden/Soesdyke Highway in Guyana’s hilly, sand and clay region.

Since his government was elected in 2020, President Ali and various Ministers of Government have talked up the establishment of this city.

Aside from the forthcoming developments at Silica city, President Ali also promised the Circuitville residents that he will address the bothersome issue of squatting.

“… what I want is for us to move from this position of squatting here to regularised living.

“Let us work together to bring planned development, in that way you can get all the utilities,” President Ali said.

A team from the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) is tasked with determining how this issue can be addressed. But already, the President said that the government will establish three new formal settlements along the highway so that squatters across that highway can move there.