President Irfaan Ali on Monday announced Government will embark on $6 billion homestead programme along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway for single mothers.
Announcing the plan on his social media page, Ali said the project is expected to commence shortly, and was unveiled at a meeting with several government ministers, technical officials, and representatives from the banking industry.
500 houses are expected to be completed on some 100 acres of land at Yarrowkabra. These homes are expected to be equipped with agricultural facilities and harness the power of solar energy, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for its residents.
Each plot of land will feature several coconut or breadfruit trees in the front yard and the installation of a 20 x 40 shade house to the rear of the house. The shade houses are expected to be equipped with advanced agricultural technology to boost food production and provide a steady income for families.
The government hopes by integrating sustainable agriculture, single mothers can earn, guaranteeing a way out of poverty into a middle-income family.
At the opening of the now-concluded International Building Expo 2024, Ali said the government aims to deliver on this project within six months and will see multiple ministries collaborating.
This ambitious plan can help in alleviating Guyana’s housing crisis, boost sustainable development and create economic opportunities. What President Ali did not announce, however, are the measures being used to ensure equity and equality in the distribution of the homes to benefit the targeted group.
There have been numerous allegations of housing and house lot allocation programmes designed to favour political supporters of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and /or realign the political demographic in its favour.