Housing drive has many derivative benefits

Nov 18, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

The news that “Over 5,000 persons (are) to soon access lands at ECD, as over $12B in infrastructural works progress smoothly,” spells in BLOCK LETTERS, the continuing development of Guyana as a whole, and for sure, the changing landscape that is enveloping the country. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government must be lauded for the ongoing positive movement in Guyana, and the Administration must stick with what it is doing.

Editor, it is well-established that home building generates local economic activity, including jobs and income generated by construction workers and new residents, and additional property taxes and other revenue for local governments. This, as we know, translates to a better living environment, where residents take on more responsibility and are easily held accountable for any immoral or illegal actions.

I note that the details in the news release explains that “A critical component of the Government’s housing drive is to ensure and increase occupancy, in schemes across the country. (And) Equal to this, is ensuring the necessary infrastructural works be in place and making these lands accessible.” The areas to be covered in the housing phases include “Plantation Hope, Plantation Enterprise and Non Pariel, Good Hope, Lusignan Ph.1 & 2 and Two Friends, Success and Le Ressouvenir.” In summation, when all is ‘said and done’, the commute and commerce of this section of the East Coast of Demerara will be on par with any part of the world. I like also the seriousness and urgency that form a part of this drive. This is coming straight from Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who on “Having had a first-hand look and being able to inspect the ongoing works, called on the contractors to be mindful of their deadline, as thousands of citizens and commerce are eagerly awaiting access to their lands.”

So far, all appears well, as the Minister was satisfied with the pace at which works are progressing, but advised all that “… ever so often persons do not have a sense of appreciation for the works being undertaken in the housing sector … (as) We are often flacked that we are not doing enough but our figure will show that on the East Coast of Demerara alone, more than $12 Billion is being spent on infrastructure works, and this is to ensure that the 5,000 plus person who received lands in these areas can access their lands and start construction.” I do have an important word on what is taking place in terms of housing Guyana. Based on just basic general observation, I know for a fact that a home provides citizens with a sense of protection and shelter from the outside world. In their ‘own’ homes, they can be themselves and let down their guard in the comfort of their own adobes. The feeling of safety and security that a home provides is essential to things like mental and emotional well-being, as “A home is also a place of belonging.”

Coming from the World Health Organization (WHO), the philosophy and thinking regarding housing will mean saving lives, preventing diseases, increasing quality of life, reducing poverty, and helping mitigate climate change. The WHO firmly believes that “Housing is becoming increasingly important to health in light of urban growth, ageing populations and climate change. The bottom-line is that as the Government keeps housing the nation, the healthier and happier the people will be.

Yours truly,

HB Singh

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benefits, derivative, Government, housing, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

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