Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal provided the update during the flag-raising ceremony of Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary at Mabaruma Settlement Ground on Saturday last. In October 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that the government had acquired 17 acres of land for housing development at Mabaruma. Minister Croal said the ministry would continue to obtain additional land in the Mabaruma subregion to address any other pending applicants and to pilot the construction of some houses.

“And by June, we will be leading an exercise over at the Port Kaituma at the Matarkai subregion to address pending applicants in the system,” Minister Croal further disclosed. The housing and water minister highlighted that the ministry has been able to process the ownership documents at Khan’s Hill or Kokerite Hall Hill. The move will now allow all the individuals who received land there to sign their agreements of sale, to begin the process of their certificates of title. This undertaking will also improve the residents’ living standards by providing them with access to necessities.

Construction of houses is ongoing at Smith Creek, Arukamai, Savannah Blackwater and Imbotero under the Hinterland Housing Programme. When completed, the living conditions will improve for many vulnerable families. This programme has generated job opportunities for many residents, providing additional disposable income for their families. Under this initiative, houses have been completed in Kokerite, Warapoka, Haimaruni, Tiger Pond, Lethem, Yakarinta, Nappi, Shiriri, Crashwater and Rupunau. Minister Croal explained that infrastructure development has also been a major focus which is evident in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and transportation networks to connect communities more effectively.