HGP Nightly News – The Government is preparing to roll out direct financial assistance for home construction and home upgrades beginning with Budget 2026, a move that could significantly change how thousands of Guyanese complete and improve their homes.
Housing Minister Collin Croal made the announcement during a social media address outlining the Government’s five-year housing plan, signalling a more aggressive push to move families from unfinished structures into completed, livable homes. “From the budget commencing from Budget 2026, Guyana will see another initiative or programme that speaks towards direct financial assistance for home construction and home upgrades,” Croal said.
The Minister explained that the new initiative builds directly on existing measures such as the steel and cement programme, which was designed to assist persons who were ready to begin construction but lacked the materials to start. According to Croal, that programme has already injected billions into communities across the country. “Over the last two to three years max, we’ve disbursed on the steel and cement initiative over $3.25 billion, and we’ve disbursed over $750 million,” he said.
Croal said the push for direct financial assistance stems from repeated appeals made by residents during community outreaches. He noted that many homeowners have received land allocations or ownership documents but remain unable to complete their houses due to financial constraints.
In many cases, he said, residents are not asking for full houses but limited assistance to finish essential components such as steps, windows, walls, or repairs to leaking roofs. The Minister said eligibility for the new programme will be guided by assessments and clear criteria, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. He added that the initiative will be rolled out “in an aggressive manner” starting in 2026.
Croal also noted that several requests for assistance have come through community-based organisations such as Men on Mission (MOM), which conduct their own assessments of individuals facing financial hardship. Beyond direct financial support, the Housing Minister announced that the Government will significantly increase its focus on fully built, move-in-ready, or “turnkey,” houses in response to rising demand.
“And what we have now is a huge demand of persons who are coming through these doors and are seeking what they normally call turnkey houses versus just the land allocations,” Croal said. “As a responsible Government, we have that mandate to respond.”
He confirmed that construction of these houses is expected to begin in 2026, with areas already identified for development. Engagement with contractors through Expressions of Interest is also set to commence.
Croal disclosed that more than 268 responses were received through a recent EOI for housing construction, underscoring both the scale of interest and the economic spin-offs expected from the programme.
“Once you have construction, then you have various sectors and individuals and companies that benefit,” he said. As Budget 2026 approaches, the announcement signals a shift from simply distributing land to actively helping Guyanese build and complete homes, positioning housing not just as a social programme but as a driver of economic activity and improved living standards.
