$6B homestead plan at Yarrowkabra on the cards

Head of State President Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that the master plan for the $6 billion homestead programme along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway has been completed. This significant milestone was revealed during a meeting attended by several government ministers, technical officials, and representatives from the banking industry.
The ambitious project, expected to commence soon, was initially introduced by President Ali in June during a media conference. The programme, which integrates housing and agriculture, will see the construction of 500 homes on 100 acres of land in Yarrowkabra. These homes will be equipped with agricultural facilities and powered by solar energy, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem for residents.
During the recent International Building Expo 2024, President Ali emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering the project within six months. The initiative will be a collaborative effort involving multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Survey, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Human Services.
“For the first time, these ministries will work together to bring this project to fruition,” President Ali stated.
Central to this transformative plan is the incorporation of sustainable agriculture into the homesteads. Each plot will feature coconut or breadfruit trees in the front yard and a 20×40 shade house at the rear. These shade houses, equipped with advanced agricultural technology, are designed to boost food production and provide a steady income for families.
The programme also aims to empower single mothers by integrating sustainable agriculture, providing them with a pathway out of poverty and into a stable, middle-income life.