By Celestine Chacon| February 4, 2025
President Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and fairness in Guyana’s housing sector, emphasizing the strict regulations in place to prevent any misconduct in land allocations.
During a live broadcast on Monday evening, Dr. Ali addressed the operations of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), stressing the government’s dedication to openness across all sectors.
He clarified that less than 10 percent of total land allocations over the past four years had gone to private developers.
The president explained that these developers must go through a structured process, including an open expression of interest, and sign agreements that ensure compliance with strict conditions.
“None of these developers would have title until all of these conditions are satisfied… if the infrastructural works are not substantially completed within 18 months, CH&PA shall be under no obligation to accept the balance of the purchase price and convey title to the purchaser, and may at this point terminate the agreement,” Dr. Ali stated.
He contrasted his administration’s approach with that of the previous government, asserting that under the PPP/C, all agreements with private developers are transparent and just.
Reflecting on the sector’s progress, the president highlighted significant investments made between 2004 and 2014, noting substantial increases in housing stock across all regions.
“In every single region—Region Ten saw a 37 percent increase in housing stock, Region Three 66 percent. By 2015, the PPP government had distributed more than 115,000 house lots, most at highly subsidized prices,” he said.
In contrast, he criticized the APNU/AFC administration’s tenure from 2015, stating that no notable developments were made in the housing sector.
Dr. Ali reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a housing sector that is equitable and accessible to all Guyanese citizens.