Another ninety-six landowners who are in the initial stages of constructing their homes, in East Berbice-Corentyne, (Region Six) earlier today received Cement and Steel Vouchers to fast-track the construction.
The Cement and Steel initiative is a brainchild of President, His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and was officially launched in Region 6, in October last year. With most of the field verification completed on applications processed to date, new applicants are invited to take advantage of the initiative, which is aimed at making the process of homeownership, easier.
Today’s beneficiaries received their vouchers, during a simple ceremony which was held at the Regional Democratic Council’s compound, New Amsterdam.
Housing and Water, Minister; the Hon. Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Andre Ally, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, Regional Chairman; Mr. David Armogan and Regional Executive Officer; Narindra Persaud and other regional officials joined the beneficiaries on the occasion.
Minister Croal highlighted the many spinoff benefits of the initiative, as it will boost economic activities in the region. He also spoke to the major development heading to Region Six, noting that Palmyra will soon become the “envy” of the region.
Also, Mr. Greaves in his remarks, congratulated the beneficiaries stating that the agency is proud to be rolling out programmes that are geared to making families’ dreams of owning their own home a reality.
“While we continue to bring service to the people, many of our programmes are also geared at generating wealth in the various regions, and with that we must recognise members of the private sectors who have come on board to make this venture a success”.
He noted that the vouchers are redeemable at some four private business namely; Gafoors, David Persaud Investments, National Hardware and N. Singh Lumber Yard & Hardware Store, all of which are located in central Berbice.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Mr. Armogan lauded the works of the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate of making the process of homeownership easier.
Since the launch of the Cement and Steel initiative, back in July 2022 more than 1,400 applications were received, with some 1,200 field visits for verification conducted and 700 hundreds applications approved.
Already, more than 600 persons have received their vouchers in Regions; Two, Three, Four, Six, Nine and Ten.
SOURCE: Central Housing and Planning Authority.
