Allottees of the new Wismar Housing Development, Phase One, in Region Ten will soon be able to identify and visit their house lots. The assurance was given by Housing Minister Collin Croal during a recent site visit with Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn.
The ministers were accompanied by Regional Housing Officer Leticia Drakes, Head of Enforcement Nigel Hoppie, Community Development Director Gladwin Charles, Senior Surveyor Shaquille Mayers, along with engineers and other technical officers from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
Most of the infrastructure works in Phase One have been completed, while land clearing has begun in Phase Two. Croal said the visit was meant to assess the quality and pace of works and to familiarise Benn with the project as the ministry prepares to move toward lot identification for beneficiaries.
“In another week, we will begin showing persons their lots. By the end of November, all allottees can rest assured that they will be able to physically identify and see the specific lots allocated to them,” the minister said.
Earlier this year, the ministry held allocation exercises that significantly reduced the backlog of housing applications in Region Ten. Croal said the government remains committed to ensuring beneficiaries transition from allocation to homeownership promptly.
Phase One of the development represents an investment of nearly $2 billion, while Phase Two is estimated at $3.5 billion. Land clearing has already started for Phase Two, with contractors mobilised and timelines set.
“There is a completion target of May 2026, but we have engaged adequate contractors because we want to finish ahead of schedule,” Croal said. He added that the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, will soon meet with contractors working on housing projects to ensure efficiency and quality delivery.
Croal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing 40,000 homes nationwide, noting that Region Ten will directly benefit from the programme.
“We want a strong push for homeownership. That is the bottom line. We are working to remove the stress and obstacles that families often face when building on their own. The goal is to create a system where people can own and occupy their homes more easily and quickly,” Croal said.
He said the ministry will continue technical assessments and planning to facilitate the start of home construction in the area. Benn also urged contractors to meet deadlines to give allottees timely access.
