President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday doubled down on his administration’s commitment to tackling Guyana’s growing need for housing, outlining an ambitious vision that promises to reshape communities and enhance the nation’s infrastructure.
Speaking during a visit to Non Pareil on the East Coast of Demerara, President Ali revealed bold plans to address the growing backlog of housing applications, with an eye on both immediate action and long-term solutions.
His administration, he stated, is determined to clear all outstanding applications up to August 2023—an undertaking that has been a top priority during the festive season and into the new year.
“We have been working on a plan to bring all the applications up to August of 2023 to zero,” said President Ali, emphasising the scale and urgency of the task ahead. The statement signals a major shift in the pace of development, as the Government works to ensure that every Guyanese citizen has access to affordable housing.
But while demand continues to soar, President Ali acknowledged the inherent challenges of meeting this demand in highly populated areas like Region Four, where land is scarce. Nevertheless, he spoke with confidence about the Government’s strategy, which includes significant investments in infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for suburban housing developments.
“The Wales development, for instance, will provide housing for up to 30,000 residents, connecting regions Three and Four with vital bridges and roads. This will allow for the expansion of housing and, crucially, greater regional connectivity,” President Ali explained.
The President also called for a shift in mindset when it comes to housing, urging citizens to look beyond urban areas and embrace the growth of suburban communities. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as essential to making these new developments viable, improving not only housing but also overall quality of life for residents.
In addition to housing, President Ali’s vision for Guyana’s future is deeply rooted in his broader community development strategy, which he outlined in his 2025 budget. His Government’s priorities for the year ahead will focus on enhancing security, improving sanitation, and providing better community services. These investments will include the installation of streetlights, improved drainage systems, and the creation of green spaces that will elevate the living standards of Guyanese citizens.
But the housing conversation doesn’t stop at bricks and mortar. President Ali also pointed to a growing national focus on productivity, innovation, and economic empowerment as key elements of Guyana’s development.
“What I love is the conversation in the country is changing,” he said, expressing his excitement about the shift towards a more forward-thinking mindset. “The conversation now is about productivity. How do we get engaged in economic activity? How do we increase production? How do we become a part of the agricultural innovation projects? How do we become part of the building process of the country? A totally different conversation.”
The President was clear in his praise for the people of Guyana, noting that this new national conversation is a sign of an optimistic and engaged citizenry. “I applaud all of you. That tells you that people are not engaged in the negativity,” he added.
With these bold proposals, President Ali has laid out a vision that extends far beyond simply addressing housing. His plans focus on building stronger, more connected communities that will foster sustainable development, economic growth, and a higher quality of life for all Guyanese. As the country continues to surge forward in this new chapter of progress, President Ali’s leadership stands poised to turn these ambitious goals into reality.
