52 Region Two landowners receive steel and cement subsidy vouchers 

Fifty-two persons living in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region were the beneficiaries of the Ministry of Housing and Water’s steel and cement subsidy on Friday.

The vouchers worth a total of $15 million were handed over to the beneficiaries during a ministerial outreach at State House in Region Two.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said Region Two is the first outlining region to benefit from the support programme.

As part of its commitment to making homeownership affordable, the government invested some $700 million in the steel and cement housing subsidy programme.

The subsidies voucher basically allows for the cost of the material to be sold at an agreed price for the recipients.

The prices agreed on by all supplies are one sack of cement to be sold at a cost of $1,725, quarter inch steel rod smooth at a cost of $450; half inch steel rod corrugation will cost $1,800; half inch steel rod will cost $2,000; 3/8 steel rod corrugation will cost $1,200 and 3/8 smooth steel rod will be sold for $1,150.

Last year, President Irfaan Ali announced that persons constructing homes at a value of $6 million or less will become eligible to receive steel and one sling of cement for the construction of the foundation. Meanwhile, those building homes between $6 million to $25 million will be given two slings of cement.

Croal said 26 persons fall under the $6M while the additional 26 fell above the $6M.

The Minister urged beneficiaries to make the most of the subsidy and to start their foundation.

To apply for the subsidy, persons are required to provide copies of relevant documents such as TIN certificates, proof of identification, marriage certificates (if applicable) and approved house plan from the various municipalities. Other documents that are to be presented to be qualified are estimates for the home construction as well as proof of land acquired.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva is happy that Region Two has benefited.

The beneficiaries expressed also appreciation and contentment having received the voucher. One such person is Khado Singh of La Belle Alliance. He said that he is currently building his house and the cement will help him significantly.