By Javone Vickerie | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, REGION THREE — Approximately 30,000 new homes are projected to be constructed between Wales and Leonora over the next five years as the Government of Guyana executes a broader socio-economic transformation of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three).
The announcement was made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a series of community consultations across Region Three on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The President explained that the massive housing expansion, coupled with ongoing highway construction and improved arterial road networks, will establish new residential hubs, significantly expand the region’s commercial consumer base, and unlock fresh economic opportunities for local businesses.
“Model Village” Pilot Project Rollout Across Region Three Communities
The housing projection formed part of a multi-stop community outreach—spanning Leonora, Tuschen, Zeelugt, Goed Fortuin, La Parfaite Harmonie, and Pouderoyen—where the administration officially unveiled its new Model Village Initiative. The program is designed to reorganize rural communities around improved infrastructure, food security, public safety, and social development.
Key community upgrades announced by President Ali during Monday’s consultations include:
- La Parfaite Harmonie: Systematic infrastructure modernization, including the installation of fire hydrants, upgraded drainage networks, and enhanced emergency response facilities to serve the densely populated housing scheme.
- Tuschen: Establishment of a structured public market, a secure food court, community recreational parks, and dedicated support programs for small business operators, alongside agricultural technology integration.
- Zeelugt: Construction of a modern community market, improved parapet drainage, designated parking areas for heavy equipment and transport trucks, and commercial zones for local snackettes and vendors.
- Pouderoyen: Unveiling of plans for a modern two-storey commercial market designed to house more than 140 stalls and commercial spaces, operating seven days a week to serve Pouderoyen and adjacent villages.
[ REGION THREE INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSFORMATION ]
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┌─────────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────┐
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[ 30,000 Housing Expansion ] [ Village-Level Modernization ]
- Expanded corridor between Wales & Leonora - Two-storey commercial market at Pouderoyen (140+ stalls)
- Interconnected arterial highways & bypass roads - Organized markets & secure food courts at Tuschen & Zeelugt
- Enlarged regional consumer base & industrial hubs - Fire hydrants, parapet drainage & safety infrastructure
Measuring National Growth at the Grassroots Level
Emphasizing that nearly three-quarters of the Guyanese population resides in rural villages, President Ali asserted that national economic growth derived from the energy sector must directly translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives:
“At this market, we must present clean, organized commercial spaces that operate seven days a week,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali stated during his stop in Pouderoyen. “National prosperity must be measured by changes residents can see in their daily lives—better roads, modern homes, safer neighborhoods, reliable utilities, and economic opportunities right where they live.”
Following the Region Three rollout, the President’s community consultation team is scheduled to take the “Model Village” consultations to communities across Regions Four, Five, Six, and Two throughout the week.
