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February 5, 2026
February 5, 2026
Budget 2026 eases the cost of living, expands infrastructure and creates jobs across all regions, Housing Minister Collin Croal said on Wednesday as he outlined plans to construct about 8,000 new homes next year.
Speaking during the budget debate in the National Assembly, Croal said the $1.558 trillion national budget maintains fuel relief, freight support, pension increases, school transportation subsidies and measures to reduce vehicle and construction costs, while advancing people-centred development.
He described Budget 2026 as “bold in scale, ambitious in vision and practical in delivery,” and said it reflects the governing PPP/C administration’s focus on improving household welfare, boosting infrastructure and generating employment nationwide.
Croal praised Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, for crafting what he called a “dynamic, actionable national plan” that translates manifesto commitments into concrete programmes.
Defending the government’s housing record, the Housing Minister rejected criticism from the opposition, accusing the former APNU/AFC administration (2015–2020) of stagnation in the sector. He said the PPP/C government inherited a large backlog of housing applications, inadequate infrastructure and a largely inactive construction industry.
According to Croal, the previous administration allocated 7,534 house lots over five years, about 2,000 of which were issued while it functioned as a caretaker government, and constructed limited housing on the coastland and in the hinterland.
By contrast, he said the current administration invested more than $1.7 billion to build 600 hinterland homes across Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, and completed housing developments with full infrastructure in several coastal communities.
Addressing concerns about the pace of development at Silica City, Croal said the project is a new city spanning 3,144 acres rather than a single housing scheme. He said $2.3 billion has already been spent on infrastructure and housing units, with total investment expected to reach $5.2 billion.
Croal said more than 53,000 house lots have been allocated over the past five years, exceeding the government’s manifesto target. He added that 22,069 lots were allocated to single women, 86 per cent of allocations went to low- and middle-income applicants, 4,500 houses were constructed and 235 core homes delivered to vulnerable households.
Under Budget 2026, $7.5 billion has been allocated for housing subsidy programmes expected to benefit more than 10,000 households.
Looking ahead, Croal said the government will focus on reducing the housing backlog, issuing at least 7,000 land titles and expanding infrastructure, green spaces and road networks in 2026.
“Budget 2026 recognises housing as a national priority,” he said.
