Wismar’s housing project nears completion, allottees to start building before Christmas – Croal

Residents of Linden’s Wismar community who were allocated house lots under Phase One of the government’s major housing development will soon be able to start constructing their homes — as early as December this year.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, made the announcement on Wednesday during a site visit to the new Wismar housing scheme in Region Ten, where infrastructural works are rapidly advancing. He was joined by Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn.

“Phase One, I am happy to say that all persons allocated there will be able to access their land and start building before Christmas,” Minister Croal declared, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of works.

The Wismar Phase One and Two developments — together valued at approximately $5.5 billion — are among the largest housing investments ever made in the mining town, and they are already transforming the local landscape. Phase One is expected to be completed by November, while Phase Two is on track for May next year.

However, Minister Croal said he has urged all contractors to accelerate their work so that more allottees can begin construction earlier. A follow-up meeting with contractors is scheduled within a week to reinforce this directive.

Both ministers commended the progress made so far and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing to Guyanese families.

Minister Croal also revealed that the government intends to launch an additional housing development in Region Ten, building on the successes already achieved under the current expansion programme.

As part of Wednesday’s outreach, the two ministers also visited Wismar Block 43 and Prosville, where they addressed residents on the ongoing regularisation of informal settlements. They urged citizens to refrain from occupying government reserves, emphasising that such actions are illegal and hinder community planning and infrastructure development.

“We recognise that there are some persons who, unfortunately, might say they had no other option, but it is still an illegal activity, and so the course of the law has to be implemented,” Minister Benn stated firmly.

She added that while the ministry’s enforcement arm will uphold the law, its Community Development Unit will continue to engage with affected households to find compassionate, lawful solutions.

These initiatives form part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s wider goal of delivering 40,000 housing units during its second term — a target designed to expand homeownership, promote equity, and improve living conditions across Guyana.

The continued progress in Wismar stands as a tangible example of the government’s promise to ensure that no region and no family is left behind in the nation’s housing transformation.

[Extracted and modified from the Department of Public Information]