Housing backlog to significantly reduce by mid-year

All outstanding housing applications from various regions, with the exception of Region Four, will be addressed by mid-2025, said Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.
He gave the commitment during a house lot distribution exercise in Region 10 today.
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to tackle the backlog of applications that the ministry has been managing for years. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, at one of his weekly press conferences earlier this month, stated that the government is actively working to improve the housing situation in the country and will soon roll out its plans.
Today’s distribution exercise will see 300 families from Kwakwani in Region 10 embarking on their journey to homeownership as they receive their residential lots in the New Kwakwani Phase One housing scheme.
According to a statement from the ministry, the recipients include families who have endured flooding issues at the Kwakwani Waterfront for many years.
“The event marks an important step in improving the lives of the community,” said Minister Croal as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to residents living near the waterfront.
To support this new housing development, over six contractors will commence work on the necessary infrastructure. A budget of $1.6 billion has been allocated for these improvements, with all basic amenities expected to be in place by the end of the year. The contractors have already begun mobilising in the area.
In Kwakwani, there are currently 288 pending house lot applications, and a total of 1,589 lots have already been allocated. Additionally, more than $50 million in vouchers for steel and cement have been distributed to residents within the community.
The minister also addressed water concerns raised by residents, noting that a request has been made for the construction of another water well in the region after investigations revealed that the current issues stem from breakages in the system.
A $10 million contract has been set aside to resolve these issues.