GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) is reporting steady progress at the new Wismar Housing Development in Region 10, following a site visit led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Martin Pertab to evaluate ongoing infrastructure works and contractor performance.
Dr. Pertab, accompanied by engineers, surveyors and clerks of works, inspected several contracts awarded earlier this year—many of which are slated for completion by late 2025. He said most contractors remain on schedule, while a few are lagging behind, but have committed to completing outstanding works before the end of this month.
“It is important that we ensure accountability and a satisfactory standard of work. We want to avoid contract roll-overs, so strong monitoring and timely completion are essential,” Pertab said during the visit.
The CEO also underscored the need for closer cooperation among firms operating across the development’s 12 lots. With more than 1,553 residential and commercial lots under construction, he said shared access and coordination are becoming increasingly important to maintaining momentum. Some reluctance has been observed in this regard, he added, even as engineers continue to work alongside contractors to resolve bottlenecks.
A recently introduced single digital monitoring platform has strengthened oversight, Pertab said. The system requires contractors and engineers to upload routine updates, enabling real-time tracking of progress and improving communication across the project.
According to CHPA, 90% of pipe-laying works have been completed, with only service connections outstanding.
The Wismar Housing Development forms part of Phase One of a wider expansion plan for the Linden community, which will feature a nursery and primary school, a well, and a post office—key facilities intended to support the thousands of residents expected to move into the area.
Pertab said the work underway in Region 10 is timely, as the government prepares to launch construction of 8,000 homes next year under its expanding national housing programme. (CHPA)