Latest update December 28th, 2025 12:40 AM
Latest News
- ‘$24M for doing nothing’ …NRF Investment Committee paid while oil money sat idle
- Stabroek Block projects designed to withstand oil market volatility – Routledge
- Five babies born at GPHC on Christmas Day
- Israeli forces take over homes, impose lockdown on West Bank’s Qabatiya
- Canadian miner aims for 3.2M ounces of gold from Guyana
Govt. to rollout aggressive programme to help Guyanese upgrade, complete homes
(Kaieteur News) – Commencing 2026, the government of Guyana (GoG) will be rolling out an aggressive program that targets Guyanese in need of assistance to upgrade or rehabilitate their homes.
This was revealed by the Minister of Housing, Collin Croal during a live broadcast on Saturday, where he elaborated on the government’s housing plan for the next five years.
Croal explained that beyond the construction of homes and allocation of lands, the government is committed to expanding its work programme to aid in upgrading the homes of Guyanese who qualify.
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal
“Of course, we conduct assessments, we investigate these things so the criteria will obviously be set out but you will find an aggressive programme towards ensuring we assist persons for a home upgrade, assist persons for completion of their home construction, that will be done in a major, major way commencing from the next budget and we are very happy for this.”
He said that during community outreaches across the country where titles are distributed or other activities are conducted requests are usually made for assistance to complete homes. “You have said “hey I have my ability; I just need a little assistance.” I am unable to complete my home or maybe I need an assistance to build the step, complete the windows, complete a wall, assist in maybe to change a leaking roof and that will be determined by your ability,” the minister pointed out.
Croal noted that the government has received numerous requests in this regard, some of which have been channeled to the President’s Men on Mission (MOM) initiative which also conducts an assessment of the situation and financial hindrances to completing housing projects.
In highlighting the importance of the housing sector, Croal noted, “The housing programme you will recognise continues to remain a pillar of economic empowerment and this has always been so…the housing programme is a priority.”
The minister also outlined plans to clear the backlog of house lot applications. He said that over the last five years more than 53,000 house lots were allocated; however over 78,000 applications are still pending with Region Four being the largest bloc. “We are committing therefore that we will clear the backlog for all of the regions except we will be unable to complete for Region Four,” Croal clarified.
He explained that over 52,000 applications of the 78,000 currently in the system are for lots in Region Four as it remains the hub for jobs and other economic activities. Given the demand, the housing minister assured that government will continue to work with partners such as the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and MMA to address the backlog.
Additionally, Croal noted that there will be a renewed focus on the construction of houses. According to him, (GoG) is aiming to construct at least 40,000 during the next five years, or an average 8,000 homes annually.
Already, the minister said expressions of interest was sought for the construction activities which attracted an overwhelming response; some 268 responses including companies and individuals to construct modular houses.
In addition, he noted that the ministry is also aiming to construct low income, moderate, middle and high income or young professionals’ homes. He was keen to point out that the demand for young professional homes have increased over the years, which is evident of persons now earning more.
Croal also revealed that the government’s steel and cement initiative will also continue. This has cost over $750M since its conception.
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
