– during linden public day
-by Tracey Liverpool
Residents of Linden had direct access to senior government officials on Tuesday as Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo led a Public Day outreach in the mining town.
The engagement saw government outlining new measures aimed at tackling the region’s housing challenges.
Accompanied by government ministers, regional officials and heads of agencies, the Vice President met with residents seeking assistance on matters ranging from housing and agriculture to public works, social services and other government programmes.
Dr. Jagdeo said the initiative brings government closer to the people by allowing concerns to be addressed directly by the agencies responsible. He also rejected claims that Linden has been left behind, pointing to billions of dollars in investments.
“This region has seen enormous progress, some people would want you to believe that region ten is left behind, I drove on a road that the linden highway that cost US$161 million, the bridge that is being construction that will be a permanent solution to crossing and is going to be free that cost us about….., the road from linden to mabura, that …that 450 million us dollars in just three projects,” he said.
While highlighting investments made in education, health and other sectors, Dr. Jagdeo acknowledged that housing remains one of the region’s biggest challenges.
He said government is working to clear the housing backlog of approximately 3,000 by next year and outlined measures to expand home ownership.
Under the initiative, government will construct one-bedroom homes for the most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities and those unable to build on their own.
Low-income landowners will receive support through certified contractors and financing arrangements with partner banks.
“You will be able to select a contractor, we will work with you and the bank to get you a loan to pay…we will be able to help about 20 000 people who can’t build now but…already have land,” he said.
Young professionals will also benefit from this initiative while middle income families are expected to receive grants under a program to be launched.
He said the measures are intended to ensure more Guyanese, regardless of income level, have an opportunity to own their own home.