Home Politics 512 house lots allocated in January alone as Gov’t sets sights on...

512 house lots allocated in January alone as Gov’t sets sights on 25,000 this year

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A citizen identifies his house lot (Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/ March 2023)

In January 2025 alone, 512 house lots were allocated, signalling an ambitious push towards surpasses the government’s target of distributing 50,000 house lots by the end of the year.

With a hefty $135.8 billion budget allocation, the Ministry of Housing and Water is setting its sights on further expanding housing and water development initiatives throughout 2025.

Collin Croal, the Minister of Housing and Water, addressed the National Assembly on Friday, outlining the progress made to date.

As of now, a total of 40,808 house lots have been distributed across the country since the ambitious pledge in 2020 to distribute 50, 000 house lots in five years.

Minister Croal provided a breakdown of allocations since the government took office: 2,759 lots in 2020, 6,989 in 2021, 10,695 in 2022, 9,056 in 2023, and 10,797 in 2024. He emphasised that the pace is accelerating this year, with the target of 25,000 lots firmly in place, a significant leap from the initial figures.

Minister Croal was optimistic about surpassing expectations for 2025, pledging to triple the current allocation and aim for a 300% increase in house lot distribution.

“We can do more, and we will do more,” he declared.

His focus this year will be on expanding allocations in Region Four, particularly along the East Coast corridor, ensuring a more equitable distribution of housing resources across the country.

Addressing concerns raised by the Opposition, Minister Croal also clarified the government’s stance on eligibility for homeownership.

Responding to accusations that Venezuelan nationals were occupying homes in Little Diamond, Croal confirmed that all prospective homeowners must undergo a stringent prequalification process through the banks before being eligible to purchase a property.

He challenged the Opposition to explain why someone earning $86,000 a month might not qualify for homeownership, given that individuals with a salary as low as $40,000 per month could already meet the necessary criteria.

Additionally, the government is committed to providing affordable housing for vulnerable families through the Core Home Support Programme, which is set for expansion in 2025. The Steel and Cement Subsidy Programme will continue this year, offering financial assistance to many homeowners to help them begin constructing their homes.

In the realm of infrastructure, significant investments are being made, with $101.8 billion allocated for highways, road works, and other vital infrastructure improvements. This fund will support both ongoing and new projects, including the construction of 17 kilometres of roads in the communities of Farm and Herstelling, as well as the installation of streetlights and enhanced drainage systems.

Specific allocations from this fund include $3 billion for the final payment on the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway, $1.2 billion for retention payments on the road from Eccles to Diamond, and $1 billion for the main bypass highway connecting Great Diamond to Craig. Another $197 million will go towards retention payments for the four-lane highway from Great Diamond, while $510 million will be spent on the Liliendaal four-lane road. In addition, a substantial $5.3 billion will be allocated for retention payments towards the four-lane approach to the New Demerara River Bridge.

In terms of water infrastructure, the government has earmarked over $22 billion to enhance access to clean water for residents across coastal, hinterland, and riverine communities.

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