Core homes project concludes with 24 new beneficiaries

March 20 2026

Twenty-four families on Thursday received the keys to their new homes under the IDB–Ministry of Housing’s Core Home Support Programme, marking the final distribution of houses under the initiative.

Beneficiary Kaishwarchand Ramphal shared that his path to homeownership was shaped by years of financial hardship while caring for his ailing wife.

He explained that although he acquired land 12 years ago, he was unable to build, and even plans to use severance pay after being laid off when the estate closed were derailed by medical expenses. Encouraged by his wife, he eventually applied for the programme.

Ramphal described qualifying for the home as “bitter sweet,” noting that he received the news on the same day the house he had been living in—owned by his children—was demolished.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said the project achieved its goal of expanding access to homeownership and providing long-term security for families. He noted that the initiative also highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with renting and will inform future housing support programmes.

Chief of Operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ivan Gaviria, described the handover as a significant milestone for beneficiaries, emphasising that each home represents patience, hope, and a step toward a more secure future. He added that the initiative aligns with broader development goals focused on access to safe housing.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn said the project placed strong emphasis on improving people’s lives, noting that many beneficiaries—particularly women—have directly benefited in a tangible way.

Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, along with officials from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, including engineers and project staff.

The project, which ran from December 2017 to March 2026 at a cost of US$28 million (approximately $5.8 billion), included components focused on affordable housing, upgrading existing schemes, and institutional strengthening.

Under the Core Home Support Programme, 378 beneficiaries were initially selected, with the target later revised to 283 in November 2025 due to deaths and withdrawals. To date, 282 homes have been completed, with 250 handed over and 194 occupied. One home remains under construction, while additional units were distributed on Thursday.

Additionally, under the Home Improvement Subsidy component, 927 beneficiaries were selected, with 855 subsidies disbursed and 649 home improvement projects completed.