Housing Ministry focused on clearing backlog, preparing for 40,000 homes– Croal

The Ministry of Housing has spent much of this year laying the groundwork to deliver on its housing commitments, including reducing the application backlog, and preparing for the construction of 40,000 homes over the next five years.

Housing Minister Collin Croal told the News Room that the ministry’s efforts are geared towards implementing promises made to prospective homeowners.

“A lot of what the ministry is doing is towards the groundwork, towards the implementation of our commitment,” Croal said.

Among the ministry’s key priorities is addressing the backlog of housing applications across the regions.

While Region Four remains the most challenging area because it has the highest number of pending applicants, Croal said progress is being made. He noted that the ministry is now processing applications from 2021 while simultaneously identifying and acquiring lands for future allocations.

However, Croal explained that securing land remains a challenge due to competing demands.

“We have competing interests in the housing sector. We have other sectors that require land use and so we have been working with Guyana Lands and Survey Commission,” he said.

Croal said another major focus this year has been preparations for government’s plan to construct 40,000 homes over the next five years period. As part of that effort, he said the ministry invited expressions of interest for modular and prefabricated housing solutions and is now evaluating potential contractors.

The ministry has also been conducting housing outreaches in several regions, including Regions Two, Five and Six, while working monthly in communities across the country to respond to housing needs.

In addition, staff have been processing agreements of sale and land titles for newly allocated areas.

Croal stressed that the ministry’s work extends beyond distributing house lots.

“It’s not about allocation. It’s much more than that. It’s about ensuring people have ownership, putting the infrastructure in place,” he said.

According to the minister, efforts are also underway to ensure contractors complete infrastructure works and utilities are installed in newly developed housing areas.

He added that while progress will take time, the ministry hopes to clear housing backlogs in most regions within the next two years, while continuing to expand access to land ownership and housing opportunities nationwide.