Croal declares title distribution exercise a success
-justifies gathering of hundreds without social distancing as ‘necessary activity’
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal on Friday declared the two day “Dream Realised” title distribution exercise a success with 350 titles distributed and over 600 new applications processed.
“Housing is of paramount importance to this government,” he told a press conference at the Providence Stadium on Friday. Minister within the
Ministry, Susan Rodrigues added that their intention is to move persons from owning a house lot to owning a home by making it possible for them to access financing to build.
She disclosed that a total of 2,600 titles for properties allocated and paid for, are in the possession of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
Croal further explained that of that number, 350 titles were for lands in regions Three and Four.
He said that government had been able to distribute all of these titles over the last two days and announced that similar activities will be held in the “coming weeks” for regions Five and Six.
“Every single region will benefit from the
Ministry of Housing and Water programme,” he asserted.
When asked by Stabroek News if it was necessary to have thousands gather during a pandemic especially since the COVID-19 measures still prohibit gatherings of more than 10 persons, Croal said yes.
“This is a necessary activity…every day at the Ministry if you pass in the morning you can see the number of persons coming there. We can’t shut down government,” he argued.
Asked if it was possible to move to working through the Offices of Regional Democratic
Councils or Neighbourhood Democratic Councils so as to limit the number of persons present at any one time, Croal responded that similar activities would be held in several regions.
Rodrigues also agreed that the activity was needed.
“It is easy for government to say it’s COVID-19 let’s shut down government, but that is not realistic… if persons follow the guidelines they can keep themselves safe. We have to start adapting to living with this pandemic,” she contended.
As part of its efforts to mitigate a possible spread the CH&PA had put several portable wash stations and disinfection booths in place. Additionally both Ministry staff and patrons wore masks, there were however no social distancing measures visible in the tent where hundreds congregated to be served.