GCCI facilitates presentation on housing sector development by Minister Susan Rodrigues to members
In a bid to better understand the government’s strategy for the housing sector, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on November 12 facilitated a presentation by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues to members of the Chamber.
Led by Senior Vice President and Chairperson of the Petroleum Committee, Mrs. Kathy Smith, the meeting saw over 40 in-person attendees, including President of the GCCI, Mr. Kester Hutson and several Councillors, as well as online participation. Mrs. Smith noted that the meeting was initiated based on the Petroleum Committee’s interest in the direction that the government is taking the sector in.
The Minister provided an overview of ongoing housing developments including Silica City, and the administration’s thrust to ensure that citizens, including young people, benefit from affordable housing while executing a plan to develop the country holistically. Minister Rodrigues also addressed the demand for housing developments while grappling with challenges related to the need for adequate contractors who can meet the sector’s rapid demands of the construction industry.
“Another major consideration for us is that we develop sustainable housing areas,” she stated. The Minister outlined efforts taken to establish the infrastructure needed to encourage persons to occupy the house lots they have been allocated, including the construction of housing units to allow for the population of housing developments that are slow to be occupied.
Minister Rodrigues also fielded questions and concerns related to challenges experienced with the new Single Window system and construction permits. Members of the Chamber were also able to make queries with the Minister and seek updates on matters related to the Ministry’s work.
