Single mothers take centre stage in Hyde Park Homestead housing drive.

January 29 2025

Hundreds of single mothers are now on the path to secure homeownership following the rollout of the Hyde Park (Yarrowkabra) Homestead Project, a flagship housing initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Water and designed to deliver affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

Conceptualised under the vision of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Hyde Park Homestead Project places women-led households at the forefront of national housing development.

The initiative is aimed not only at providing safe and dignified housing, but also at empowering beneficiaries to build resilient, self-sustaining livelihoods.

The project is being executed by Duravilla Homes Guyana, with house tours and on-site engagements facilitated by Edward Pillay, Senior Operations Manager, who guided prospective homeowners through the design, construction standards, and long-term value of the units.

Affordable, Quality Housing

Each home is priced at GY$7 million, inclusive of land and a shade house, making ownership attainable for low- and middle-income families without compromising on build quality. The homes measure 616 square feet (20 ft x 30 ft) and include:

Two bedrooms

One bathroom

Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area (560 sq. ft)

Front verandah (56 sq. ft)

Construction specifications include an 8-inch reinforced concrete foundation, reinforced concrete floor slab, durable superstructure with wall and gable panels, UPVC windows, wooden internal doors, steel external doors, and external paint. Each unit is outfitted with two 450-gallon water tanks, a 20 ft x 20 ft shade house, standard electrical systems with AC accommodations, plumbing for hot water, and fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms featuring quartz countertops, vanities, and fiberglass shower trays.

Sustainability and Local Industry at the Core

A defining feature of the Hyde Park Homestead Project is its integrated development model, combining housing with forestry, agriculture, and socio-economic advancement.

Duravilla Homes is utilising at least 14 locally available timber species, including Greenheart, Mora, Purpleheart, Wallaba, Kabukalli, and Silverballi, among others.

This approach not only enhances the sustainability and durability of the homes, but also strengthens Guyana’s forestry sector by supporting local value chains and responsible resource use.

In his featured address Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said, “beneficiary selection is conducted through a transparent and accountable allocation process, with all recipients drawn from the Ministry of Housing’s official database. Women led households are the primary target group, reflecting the project’s strong social inclusion mandate”

To further support affordability, the government has partnered with local banking institutions to improve access to financing.

Mortgage interest rates have been reduced, with a 3.8% rate established for loans up to GY$9 million, significantly easing the financial burden on new homeowners.