Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson has issued a sharp rebuke to Colin Croal, Minister of Housing and Water, regarding his claim of delivering 50,000 house lots under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. Ferguson, a vocal critic of the government’s housing policy, has called the minister’s assertions misleading, citing the administration’s failure to provide tangible evidence or sustainable outcomes for ordinary Guyanese.
Minister Croal, during a 2024 year-end press conference, touted his government’s commitment to housing, claiming that over 30,406 house lots had been allocated between 2020 and 2023, with a further 10,791 slated for 2024. However, Ferguson lambasted the minister for what she described as “inflated numbers” and a lack of transparency.
Questionable Numbers and Lack of Infrastructure
The opposition MP has repeatedly requested disaggregated data on house lot distributions from 2020 to 2024, including the sizes of lots and whether basic infrastructure—such as water, roads, and electricity—was in place. These requests, according to Ferguson, have gone unanswered.
Ferguson expressed skepticism, pointing out that under previous PPP/C administrations from 1992 to 2015, no term ever delivered 50,000 house lots. She argued that the current government’s housing efforts lack a coherent policy and dismissed allocations as mere “bush lots” handed out to create the illusion of progress.
Despite Guyana’s newfound oil wealth, ordinary Guyanese continue to struggle with housing affordability, Ferguson said, highlighting that many applicants are unable to meet the stringent requirements imposed by financial institutions. She criticised the government’s repeated assurances of working with banks, and questioned whether there are other systems are in place to really help vulnerable groups in our society. The MP said the constant rhetoric of ‘working with the Banking Institutions,’ surely isn’t cutting!
Accountability for Silica City and Unmet Promises
Ferguson also took aim at the controversial Silica City project, which has seen significant budgetary allocations but remains shrouded in mystery. The Ministry has failed to provide updates on Silica City, she said, questioning whether ordinary citizens have benefited from the allocations.
She called on Minister Croal to publicly disclose the following:
- A detailed breakdown of house lot allocations since 2020 by plan and location.
- The number of areas with 100% accessibility, water, and electricity.
- How many allottees have begun construction in these areas.
- Specific data on allocations for Silica City and the demographics of beneficiaries.
A Call for Wisdom Amidst “Deception”
Ferguson also criticised the government for using land allocations as a political tool ahead of the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections (GRE). “The PPP/C is poised to squander taxpayers’ money to buy votes, make empty promises, and allocate inaccessible lands, she warned, urging Guyanese to remain vigilant.
“The time for change is now. Let US be the change for our generations in 2025!” Ferguson declared.
With Guyana at a crossroads, Ferguson’s call for transparency and accountability has struck a chord with many who question whether the government’s housing policy truly serves the nation or is simply another façade. As the opposition demands answers, the ball is now in Minister Croal’s court to provide the clarity and action that Guyanese citizens deserve.
