By Nakasia Logan | September 25, 2024
In a significant boost to home construction efforts, sixty-two residents from Region Five were issued Steel and Cement Subsidy vouchers, each valued at $225,000.
The distribution was led by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, at the Regional Housing Office in Fort Wellington.
Minister Rodrigues, who is conducting outreach in Region Five, emphasized the importance of helping individuals transition from landownership to homeownership.
She highlighted the initiative launched by President Ali two years ago at the International Building Expo, which aims to alleviate financial challenges faced by landowners.
“This subsidy is designed to assist those who need to begin their construction. We are also working with banks to ensure that interest rates remain low,” Minister Rodrigues stated.
The steel and cement subsidy specifically targets landowners who have the property but encounter difficulties in starting the construction of their homes.
Subsidy recipients expressed their gratitude for the assistance. Ganesh Dhanpat, a beneficiary, noted, “I’m certain it will go a great deal for them because most people working in the sugar industry and the government will find a voucher like this very helpful.”
Shelita Bissoon added, “I feel happy and proud because I am getting my own home now. I’m excited about it.”
Another recipient, Deochand Singh, echoed these sentiments, saying, “I feel very happy. It was a great initiative by the government, and it will assist us in building our houses.”
Under this initiative, individuals constructing homes valued at $6 million or less receive steel and one sling of cement for their foundation.
Those with homes estimated between $6 million and $25 million benefit from two slings of cement.
To date, the government has distributed 36,000 house lots and is on track to fulfill its promise of delivering 50,000 lots in five years as outlined in its 2020 manifesto.