BUDGET 2022: Gov’t to export 120 timber houses to Ghana; eyes long-term market

The government will be moving ahead with its plans to construct and export houses by selling 120 ready-made houses to Ghana sometime this year, according to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

During his 2022 Budget presentation, the Finance Minister highlighted that the government is moving ahead with its plans to export these prefabricated houses in addition to marketing dawn lumber to Barbados.

Prefabricated houses are houses built beforehand and would simply need to be assembled at their destination. The houses are expected to measure some 700 square feet, based on earlier reports.

Dr. Singh said that the houses for export will be manufactured using local wood and the government aims to secure a long term relationship with Ghana.

Last year, President Dr. Irfaan Ali first floated the idea exporting locally-made houses to the Caribbean region. Later, he said those houses will be exported at a cost of about $52 million.

“Government will also work to resuscitate three kiln drying facilities at Essequibo, Berbice and Linden, which will support the supply of sawn lumber to the Barbados market, among many others,” Dr. Singh said too.