New $180 Million Community Facility Opens in Region Three, Highlighting Development Beyond Infrastructure

According to the Guyana Times, the new Onderneeming Community Facility, which was built at a cost of $180 million, was officially opened on Friday in Region Three, located in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara. This facility is intended to offer residents a space for social activities, community events, and recreation.

The development was carried out under the Adequate Housing (CH&PA) and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), which is managed by the Housing Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority, and it received funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The AHUAP is part of wider initiatives aimed at expanding access to essential infrastructure and enhancing the living conditions of low-income communities.

Housing Minister Collin Croal stated at the commissioning ceremony that the government's vision for development encompasses more than just roads and housing; it involves creating spaces where people can connect, grow, and thrive as a community. Minister Croal asserted that development is significantly more than just the infrastructure that is built, emphasizing the impact infrastructure has on people's lives.

Minister Croal also pointed out the progress achieved under the AHUAP on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), noting that approximately $1.607 billion has been spent on housing support and infrastructure improvements. These improvements include the construction of community facilities, the handover of over 200 Core Homes, the disbursement of 242 Home Improvement subsidies, road upgrades, reinforced concrete drains and culverts, concrete sidewalks, earthen drain cleaning, and the construction of community facilities.

Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, representing the IDB, expressed pleasure in collaborating with the Ministry to advance initiatives that support sustainable community development and improve lives. She stressed that in an increasingly digital world, spaces that foster meaningful social connections and face-to-face interaction are particularly important. Solorzano-Salazar also highlighted that the long-term success of the facility relies on proper maintenance to keep it safe, accessible, and usable by the community.

Regional representatives also expressed support for the new facility, recognizing its value as an extra area for recreation and strengthening community bonds.

The scope of work for the facility included the construction of a multipurpose building and pavilion equipped with washrooms (including those for persons with disabilities), changing areas, and water storage; perimeter fencing, access bridges, and sliding gates; a recreational field made of white sand, a children’s play area, and a basketball court; a security hut and internal parking area; perimeter walkways, landscaping, and tree planting; the installation of external lighting and solar-powered LED floodlights; and concrete drainage along the northern, southern, and western boundaries.

It was noted that the AHUAP, which concluded in December 2025, had a total budget of $5.8 billion and targeted low-income communities in Georgetown and surrounding areas, including La Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara, communities situated between Georgetown and Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, areas between Georgetown and La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara, and 19 communities between Mon Repos and Haslington.