Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, led a high-profile tour of the Block ‘B’ Experiment Housing Scheme in Region Five, showcasing the government’s commitment to expanding homeownership and sustainable community development in Berbice.
The tour comes on the heels of a major allocation exercise, where over 600 house lots were distributed to Berbicians at the Plantation ‘A’ Bath and Block ‘B’ Experiment Housing Schemes. Minister Croal, joined by Minister within the Ministry Susan Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, and Central Housing and Planning Authority CEO Sherwyn Greaves, highlighted the government’s strategic approach to housing as part of its ambitious goal to allocate 50,000 house lots nationwide.
During the walk-through, Minister Croal announced a $1.2 billion investment in first-phase infrastructure works for the new housing areas. He emphasized that the government’s vision extends beyond simply handing out house lots; the goal is to foster sustainable communities where residents can thrive. Since 2020, over $8 billion has been invested in Region Five’s housing infrastructure, including significant upgrades to the Burma and Shieldstown housing schemes.
Minister Rodrigues addressed the persistent demand for housing in Region Five, which ranks second only to Region Four in the number of applications. She noted that more than 1,000 house lots have been allocated in the region since 2020, with the latest distribution helping to significantly reduce the backlog. The ministry, she said, is committed to a tailored, region-specific approach to address unique local needs.
The government’s housing programme was praised for its inclusivity and affordability, with lots subsidized by up to 85%, making homeownership more accessible for Guyanese families. Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally both lauded the ongoing efforts, describing the initiative as a tangible step toward fulfilling the government’s promises to the people of Region Five.
As infrastructure works progress and new homeowners prepare to build, the Block ‘B’ Experiment Housing Scheme is set to become a model for sustainable, community-driven development in Guyana’s rapidly growing housing sector.
