Contractors terminated, works re-tendered for access roads at Stewartville housing scheme

The Ministry of Housing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), has terminated underperforming contractors responsible for infrastructure works at sections of the new housing scheme at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, and re-tendered the works in order to ensure allottees are able to access their lands.

According to the Housing Ministry, this action reflects its priority to deliver serviced house lots to Guyanese families.

Those contractors who were terminated were awarded road works in sections of Stewartville East and West in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The Ministry said it is now focused on ensuring the programme is back on track and will shortly issue new contracts to complete the works.

Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Vanessa Benn; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, and technical staff visited the area on Friday to assess works.

During the visit, Minister Benn noted that while many allottees have access to their lands and some have already begun constructing their homes, a number of them remain affected by the delay in infrastructure works.

Of the nearly 1,000 house lots in Stewartville, approximately 100 are impacted — specifically Lots 254–266 in Stewartville East; and Lots 433–472, 662–680 and 715–744 in Stewartville West.

Minister Benn emphasised that the Ministry is closely monitoring contractors to ensure timely delivery of the infrastructure.

Underperforming contractors have been repeatedly engaged on their obligations, and were reminded that failure to improve will result in termination, the ministry said.

According to Benn, the housing programme is ultimately about improving lives, noting that allottees are eagerly awaiting access as they pursue better living conditions for their families.