By Leonard GildarieIt is rather unfortunate, but after eight months of dwelling on a particular subject, we must bring the curtain down on what has been an interesting learning experience, as regards one of Guyana’s most exciting sectors – housing. There is only so much that can be said and only so many challenges that can be issued to citizens and government alike.Owning a home in Guyana has become something very close to the heart of many. It makes you an instant millionaire, to paraphrase our President, while at the same time it allows you to be a part of the Guyana dream.As I have said time and again, the housing sector, because of a number of factors,NFL Jerseys Cheap, remains probably the most challenging in the country. Not only is government grappling in re-organising and regularising squatting areas, it is dealing with making new land available, preparing the infrastructure for new schemes and processing thousands of applications for new lots.It is a significant challenge, with constant arguments that there is enough land for every Guyanese to own a piece.A visit to the Housing Ministry one morning will find scores of hopefuls waiting since first light to meet with officials for some transaction or the other.The construction sector has been one of the fastest growing in the country, with many spin-offs. These include the brisk trade of hardware importers and suppliers; the transportation sector, the demand for labour, an increase in mortgage processing and home insurance, the opening of neighbourhood stores and block-making facilities, among other related areas.The demand for construction materials has been huge. There had been a reported shortage of sand…yes, sand… at one time, andWhether it is a home in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, or one in Mahdia, owning one is a dream close to the hearts of the majority of Guyanese.cement and stone at other times, forcing government to issue import permission for cement for other distributors. There has also been a reported shortage of some preferred types of wood, with prices rising in an alarming manner.Along with the housing drive came the inevitable problems, including the clear absence of mechanisms to enforce agreements between contractors and new house lot owners.Because of the logistics, training or assistance to prepare the involved parties in dealing with the challenges has proven costly to especially the new house lot owners.Many homes have been left incomplete because of unscrupulous contractors involved in all kinds of rackets to rob their employers. But there have been complaints, also, of homeowners deliberately robbing contractors.A large percentage of jobs awarded to these builders – and there are questions about the criteria used to describe them as such – was done so verbally, providing another hurdle in the fight to regularise the situation.Over the past few months,Authentic China Jerseys, we have examined how to apply for a mortgage, the process of working to prepare the estimates for your home; the need to shop around for better prices, how to choose your contractor; working with the local NDC and the protection of wooden doors and windows.We have also spoken of how to avoid touts at some lumber yards, looking out for scamps who would short-change you on the measurements and quality, etc.What have remained among the biggest challenges are the rising cost of construction and the inexperience of adhering to budget.There are no immediate fora to turn to, and while there is a fair degree of literature around and much advice to be offered, none has fully been centralised or personalised. The Ministry of Housing has some measure of this available,Wholesale NHL Jerseys, but still the complaints have continued.The Guyana Forestry Commission, only recently battling to stabilise a reported wood shortage for the local market, has disclosed it will shortly be launching a handbook on the alternatives to the more popular types of wood available in Guyana. That publication is also expected to address some of the concerns raised by new house lot owners.There have been requests from our readers for information on places to shop for construction materials and lists of approved contractors.A possible website is also being considered and worked upon and will be up shortly. A complete handbook guide to housing is imminent.So all in all, it has been an enlightening experience,Wholesale Jerseys USA, with even government officials welcoming the articles. I am confident that until the website and handbook come out, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Housing Ministry, along with the hardware and paint stores, would be most willing to offer advice.As usual,Jerseys NFL Cheap, whi