30 households to relocate to accommodate Eccles-Diamond highway
Settlers along Block “X” Plantation Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), met with Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and a team from the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) to devise a comprehensive resettlement and relocation plan.
The team from the Housing and Water Ministry during the meeting
Presently, approximately 30 households are currently occupying a Government reserve in the area, which is intended to be used for the construction of the new Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway.
The plan is said to include the provision of a house lot and the rebuilding of homes based on their value.
CH&PA CEO Sherwyn Greaves stated that the agency is determined to assist all residents throughout each stage of the resettlement process.
Further, he noted that there will be no “strong-arm” approach during the process and the concerns of each resident will be heard.
As such, the residents were given the opportunity to raise issues, which were addressed by Minister Croal and his team.
Meanwhile, two areas for relocation have already been identified within close proximity of the area. These are developed schemes where the settlers can enjoy access to healthcare, educational and recreational facilities, as well as access to basic utilities such as electricity and water.
Some of the residents at the meeting
In addition to this, the residents will also have access to Certificates of Title and Transports, which are currently unavailable at Caneview due to the illegal occupation. In addition to the restoration of their homes, Minister Croal assured residents that CH&PA will also ensure the restoration of their livelihoods.
The meeting saw the attendance of officials from the local democratic organs and the Chief Valuation Officer attached to the Finance Ministry’s Valuation Office.
A number of engagements are expected to continue over the coming weeks.
The Eccles to Great Diamond Highway will be linked to the new Eccles, East Bank Demerara to Mandela, Georgetown Highway. This is in keeping with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision to reduce traffic congestion along the East Bank Demerara corridor, while also transforming the country’s travel landscape and linking communities.
