GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Ministry of Housing and Water is in the process of developing a comprehensive national housing policy aimed at ensuring every Guyanese family has access to homeownership.
During a recent end-of-year press conference, the Minister of Housing and Water emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the standard of living for all citizens. The new housing policy is designed to provide safe, affordable, and adequate housing in communities equipped with necessary infrastructure.
Currently, a consultant is drafting the new housing policy, which is expected to be submitted to the ministry next week for further presentation to cabinet approval. Once authorized, the policy will be introduced at the parliamentary level.
This comprehensive housing policy will review existing programs and policies executed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
Stakeholder consultations have already been conducted, and feedback along with needs assessments are being compiled to inform the policy’s framework.
In addition, the government is advancing another significant initiative: the Strategy for Informal Settlement, Upgrading and Prevention. This initiative aims to regularize settlements and reduce squatting throughout the country.
The first phase of this strategy has been completed and will be presented to cabinet this month, with a pilot program set for Region Three before expansion to other areas. A consultant is working with the ministry to finalize this vital policy.
