More and more ‘Housing Dreams’ being realised

Mar 11, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I am so elated that the Guyana Government is set to distribute around 25,000 house lots in this very year, 2025. According to Minister Susan Rodrigues, “The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is set to distribute approximately 25,000 house lots across the country (as part of the continuation of the) ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive. This is testimony to the ardent work of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and their keeping of a promise made back in 2020.

During a ceremony, a few days ago in Region Two, the minister recalled how “Many thought that allocating 10,000 house lots annually was ambitious, given our five-year target of 50,000. However, we have not limited ourselves to that number … and the government’s housing programme is not just about fulfilling the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto, but about delivering real results and ensuring promises are kept.”

In terms of real results, Guyana’s unprecedented housing programme speaks of a much bigger picture, as according to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a people must have “… the right to adequate housing… (and this) should not be interpreted narrowly. Rather, it should be seen as the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity.” This means that housing transcends geography, space and equity, as it provides stability, security, and a sense of belonging to actual home owners. Housing, when realised, provides the basis to a fundamental human right that affects people’s physical and mental health, and their ability to participate in society. I advocate that the people in Guyana quickly come to realise that the government sees housing as part of the well-being of its citizenry, and that they should make full use of the input they are afforded.

I like the fact that the ‘Dream Realised’ housing initiative is backed by many financial institutions, as this allows the recipients to engage with banks being on-site to begin fast-tracking the planning of financing for home construction. Rodrigues explained to attendants that “Our (government’s) housing programme extends beyond land allocation. We are also supporting home construction, and 38,000 people will be able to own housing units, significantly reducing costs for families.” She emphasized that initiatives such as the ongoing one is not ad hoc, but it’s a part of the ruling party’s “… continued focus on affordable housing and homeownership … in a commitment to transform the lives of Guyanese, by providing land and housing solutions that meet the needs of citizens across the country.”

The stats from UN-Habitat make for good consideration, as “More than 1.8 billion people worldwide lack adequate housing. (and) Every year, 2 million people are forcibly evicted, (with) many more being threatened with evictions and some 150 million people worldwide are homeless. It is good to realise that “Adequate housing is a human right enshrined in international human rights law. (and) Failing to recognise, protect, and fulfil the Right to Adequate Housing results in the violation of a plethora of fundamental rights including the Right to Work, Education, Health, and Security.” This foundation then that is being laid down for Guyanese must be seen as quite extraordinary, as it provides the foundation to life of quality befitting human dignity.

Editor, let’s give our kudos to the leaders of Guyana, particularly those involved in the housing sector. Back in January, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh clearly highlighted that the government will be “… unwavering in its commitment to revitalising Guyana’s housing sector, (How?) with a monumental $112.6 billion allocated for the 2025 fiscal year.” This sum took into account “… continued housing development and the construction of 1,000 additional homes.” In fact, going back a bit further, I see that “Since taking office in 2020, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led Administration has been embarking on an aggressive housing agenda geared towards home ownership for Guyanese … (the outcome) … 85 new and existing housing areas were developed (inclusive of Amelia’s Ward, Balthyock, Belle West, Charity, Cummings Lodge, De Endragt, La Bonne Intention, Lethem, Leonora, No. 75 & 79 Villages, Sheildstown, Success, Williamsburg and York).” Consider also that “Over 2,000 homes were constructed of which 1,193 were low-income, 493 were moderate income and 330 were young professionals.”

Enough said, but I dare anyone who left Guyana five years ago to revisit and see the transformation first hand.

Yours truly,

Hargesh. B Singh.

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