40 families to receive keys to new homes at Onderneeming by year-end

Forty families are expected to receive the keys to newly constructed homes at Onderneeming Tract A and B on the Essequibo Coast in time for Christmas, as the Ministry of Housing advances a new home construction initiative in Region Two.

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, made this disclosure during a site visit on Friday, at the new Onderneeming Tract A and B Housing Development, where construction is progressing on 40 three-bedroom, bungalow-style houses.

The Minister was accompanied by Regional Housing Officer, Kavendra Persaud, and Engineer, Mr. Orlando Arno, as he inspected the progress and quality of works being undertaken.

Each home is being constructed for $10.5 million, while the accompanying residential lot costs $500,000, bringing the total house-and-land package to $11 million.

Minister Croal noted that the project marks the first time the Ministry is undertaking the construction of this type of three-bedroom home on the Essequibo Coast and represents another expansion of the Government’s national housing programme.

“This is the first time we are embarking on this type of project in Essequibo,” Minister Croal said. He explained that the Ministry will closely assess the response from housing applicants, particularly their interest in the design and overall package, to determine the potential for expanding the programme.

Four contractors are executing the project, with each assigned responsibility for the construction of 10 houses. The contractors have been given a December deadline for completion.

“We are hoping to hand over the keys for Christmas,” Minister Croal stated.
With construction advancing, the Ministry will now move to engage prospective beneficiaries and begin the necessary financial arrangements for homeownership. Applicants interested in the homes will be guided through the process, including pre-qualification with commercial banks to determine their eligibility for financing.

Minister Croal expressed satisfaction with the progress observed during the visit and underscored the importance of ensuring that the homes are completed to the required standard and within the established timeframe.

The project forms part of the Government’s continued efforts to broaden access to affordable homeownership while expanding housing options for Guyanese families across the country.

The Ministry will continue to monitor construction at Onderneeming Tract A and B as works advance towards the targeted December completion.