Block making initiative to boost employment, housing in Region Three

Residents of De Kinderen and Den Amstel were introduced to the Community-Based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) over the weekend, an initiative aimed at creating job opportunities for vulnerable groups. The project allows participants to produce blocks for contractors involved in the national housing drive.

The consultation was led by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, alongside Mrs. Donell Bess-Bascom, Deputy Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). Minister Croal highlighted the dual benefits of the project, noting that it offers valuable training while addressing the high demand for housing materials in Region Three.

“This project provides valuable training opportunities, allowing participants to enhance their skill sets,” said Minister Croal. He also pointed out that De Kinderen and Den Amstel are the first two communities in the region to participate in the initiative. With more than 8,000 house lot allocations in Region Three over the past four years, Croal emphasized the importance of seizing these employment opportunities.

Training for the two groups is expected to commence before the end of the month. The initial production target for each group is set at 1,800 blocks, the average quantity required for constructing a low-income home. Minister Croal urged participants to maintain discipline and consistency throughout the project.

CESP targets various vulnerable groups and communities, including those in Tiger Bay, Albouystown, East and West Ruimveldt, Agricola, Mocha, Lusignan, Buxton, Victoria, Leopold Street, North Ruimveldt, and Sophia (Region 4); Canje (Region 6); and Linden (Region 10). To date, the initiative has created employment for over 100 individuals.

Start-up packages have been distributed to organizations such as the Guyana Society for the Blind, North Ruimveldt Parent Support Group, and S.B Building Supplies and Construction in Victoria. The project also includes training programs in life skills, financial management, record keeping, entrepreneurial awareness, leadership skills, and block making. A recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Guyana Prison Service will see the production of 500,000 concrete blocks.

Furthering its goals, CH&PA has formed partnerships with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, contractors, the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, and the Small Business Bureau.