Construction has officially commenced on 74 of the 110 contracted young professional houses in Silica City, marking a significant step in the development of Guyana’s first ‘smart’ urban city. Situated along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Silica City is a visionary project initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, aimed at creating a modern, sustainable urban environment.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, conducted an on-site inspection on Tuesday to assess the progress of the ongoing construction work. During his visit, Minister Croal confirmed that the project is in its foundational phase and that the remaining 36 houses of the initial batch will commence construction within the next two weeks. “We have the first set of 110 contracted houses to be built. In fact, 74 of those units have commenced. And within the next two weeks, the remaining 36 will start,” Minister Croal reported to the media.
The government is committing a substantial investment of $3 billion towards the construction of these 110 houses. The young professional homes are designed in four distinct architectural styles: two flat units priced at $25,200,603 and $25,290,178, and two elevated units valued at $33,980,153 and $34,450,145. This variety offers prospective homeowners a choice that balances aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces.
One of the primary houses in the foundational stage has already begun to take shape, showcasing the project’s rapid progression. Despite the challenges posed by the sandy soil and other logistical hurdles, significant infrastructural advancements have been made. These include the development of roads and drains essential for efficient water management and the initial stages of establishing independent access routes to facilitate the city’s expansion.
“The first base infrastructure work has been done. Because the soil type is sandy, we would’ve had additional expenditure in terms of concrete drains. And we would’ve put the road as crusher run,” Minister Croal explained, highlighting the complexity of the groundwork being laid.
Additionally, the installation of electricity poles has commenced to ensure a steady flow of power to the area, marking a crucial step towards making Silica City habitable. The Ministry of Housing and Water is also in the procurement phase for drilling an independent water well, which will further enhance the city’s self-sufficiency.
Minister Croal addressed the question of housing allocation, noting that the process is currently in the pre-qualification phase. “We do have a list of persons who have indicated an interest. So, we are first of all going through the pre-qualification phase. No, we have not allocated, but we will be moving to the next stage in regard to that,” he stated.
Silica City is poised to be a landmark development in Guyana, representing a model of smart urban planning that integrates sustainable practices with modern living standards. The city is expected to become a hub for young professionals, offering state-of-the-art housing solutions and a comprehensive infrastructure that supports a high quality of life.
The next phases of the project will likely see further infrastructural developments, including the completion of road networks, the installation of utility services, and the establishment of community amenities that are integral to creating a vibrant urban environment.
The successful realization of Silica City will not only provide much-needed housing but also set a new standard for urban development in the region.
