$1B set aside for new housing development in Mahdia – Croal

Several concerns raised by residents of Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni) are being addressed by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during an outreach activity this week.

And as part of the solutions to these concerns, Croal told residents on Tuesday that $1 billion has been set aside for a new housing development in the region’s capital town, Mahdia.

Water and housing were the two main issues raised during a meeting with residents as Minister Croal and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai led a team to Region Eight.

“Buy some low income house and give the people a lil yard space.

“This way you helping the people who can’t afford to build. We don’t have a bank here that is why people can’t save. When we save we money it does end up done,” one resident said as he called for the development of a housing scheme in the region.

Others were vocal about the water woes.

“Right now we facing a terrible situation with water.

“We know that Salbora is low and I told them if we have to do the water by rotation system, let’s do it,” Samantha, another resident expressed.

In response, Minister Croal assured the residents that every effort is being made to address their issues. If it is outside of his direct responsibility, he promised to raise the issues with the relevant authorities.

Croal, however, emphasised that the challenges experienced are mainly due to the current dry season. And he told them that a decision has already been taken to drill additional wells to supply the region.

Additionally, Croal said a discussion will be held with the Guyana Water Incorporated, Chief Executive Officer so some short-term measures can be implemented in the interim.

This, he said, will include the proper rollout of a rotation system.