Construction Expo 2024: Where innovation meets opportunity

– Thousands of people became landowners

Faith Green
Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Water Resources, the annual International Construction Expo, themed “Building on Sustainability and Solidarity”, has become a signature event reflecting Guyana’s infrastructure transformation. Held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, the Expo attracted a large crowd eager to witness the progress of a country that is rapidly evolving in its pursuit of sustainable development and community building.

The event was a powerful reminder of the government’s commitment under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali to provide 50,000 housing units by 2025. Over 30,000 housing units have been allocated in the past four years and the expo was a testament to the realization of a dream that once seemed out of reach but is now a reality for many Guyanese.
As National Spoken Word Artist Daniella Araujo eloquently expressed in her performance, the transformation from wetlands to thriving communities is a dream that has come true. She noted that the Build Expo is more than just an event, it is a platform where innovation meets opportunity, showcasing the vision of a progressive and sustainable Guyana to local and international audiences.
Minister of Housing and Water Resources Susan Rodriguez highlighted the importance of the Expo, describing it as an event that is a household name in Guyana. “There is something for everyone here,” she commented, stressing that the Expo focuses on sustainable, environmentally friendly concepts to improve the experience of visitors and exhibitors. The Expo features a wide range of exhibitors, showcasing the latest developments in affordable, low-carbon building technologies and solutions for a variety of construction needs.
One of the highlights of the event was the ‘Dream Come True’ housing drive, during which around 2,000 people became proud landowners. Three of the recipients – Jewell Ingles, Sima Singh and Neville Lesli – shared their experiences and expressed their satisfaction with the housing scheme.
Ingles, who started waiting in 2011, finally got her own house in Non-Pariel, East Coast Demerara. She recounted her joy when she received the call from the Ministry of Housing, admitting that the wait was long, but she was happy with the end result. Singh shared similar thoughts, expressing his joy after a decade of waiting, while Leslie said that although the process was long, he was thankful to have finally reached the stage of owning a house.
The Ministry’s efforts extend beyond land allocation, with 427 plots of land allocated, 85 outreach activities conducted, and 134 business licenses issued as part of its broader mission to promote development in Guyana. The expo will be held from August 8 to 11, 2024, and will feature 500 exhibitors from Guyanese, Caribbean and international companies, representing both the public and private sectors.

More than just an exhibition, the International Construction Expo is a celebration of Guyana’s continued achievement in sustainable development and community development. As thousands of Guyanese continue to be given the keys to their future, the event highlights the importance of unity and innovation in building a thriving nation.