Govt to build Gy$ 2.5M house for double-amputee

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry, fulfilling its mandate to provide support to persons living with disabilities, on Monday signed a document which will see a brand new house being constructed for double amputee, Siddiqi Hanif. The signing took place at the ministry’s boardroom.

The venture, which is a joint effort between the Human Services Ministry and Habitat for Humanity Guyana, is one of the present administration’s “pilot projects” to give assistance to differently able persons. Human Services Minister, Jenifer Webster, addressing the gathering during the signing of the project document, asserted that her ministry, moreover the government, is elated to be embarking on such a mission.
The minister continued, by saying that such a venture is a stepping stone to many endeavours which will see much being done for persons who are differently able. “This is just one of the initiatives we have undertaken and we hope that in the future we will be able to do more” Webster noted.
It was also reported that the house will cost some Gy$ 2.5 million to be built. It will be configured with special conveniences to meet the needs of Hanif. The house will be built on a plot of land in Leonora, West Coast Demerara which was donated to Hanif by the Housing and Water Ministry.
In addition, Habitat for Humanity Guyana Resource Development Coordinator, Sinikka Henry, subsequent to signing the project document, pointed out that in 1985 when the United Nations General Assembly designated every first Monday of October as “Habitat for Humanity Day”, the aim was to make people aware of the problems of housing and assure them that there are solutions to the epidemic. She noted too that her organisation will continue to collaborate with agencies in an effort to eradicate poverty from society and provide better living standards for persons.
Sinikka Henry, in concluding, assured the minister and her team that Habitat for Humanity Guyana is always willing to join forces on any project that will be for the betterment of Guyana.
That aside, Siddiqi Hanif who is a father of five thanked the two agencies for their liberal support. He assured that despite his disability he will someday be able to repay the two agencies for a dream come through. The man who was fighting to hold back tears said that he longed for the time when he could have been able to provide a house for his wife and children. He and his family currently reside with his mother on the West Coast of Demerara. A sign artist by profession, Hanif has had both of his legs, up to his knees, amputated 12 years ago.