Linden housing solutions discussed by stakeholders

…seeking to find alternative for squatters

Stakeholders have agreed to a need for aggressive collaboration in dealing with the issue of widespread squatting in Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), as well as the urgent need for a systematic approach in providing legal housing alternatives for residents.

These were examined and discussed at a meeting hosted at the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) on Wednesday, and in attendance were representatives of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Regional Democratic Council (RDC), environmentalists, and the LM&TC.
The meeting was hosted in response to an increase in squatting in the community, which recently prompted Linden Deputy Mayor Wainewright Bethune to seek collaboration between relevant entities. Bethune recently disclosed to members of the media that he was tasked with preparing a proposal for alternative areas which can be occupied by residents, in keeping with legal and environmental and safety guidelines.
At Wednesday’s meeting, these areas were outlined by the Deputy Mayor, along with numerous areas in the community presently affected by squatting and massive land clearing by residents to facilitate housing. The affected areas identified were Amelia’s Ward, Blueberry Hill, Dakoura Creek water site, and the ‘Mines’ areas, among other places. It has long been noted by officials that a majority of the lands in Region 10 are owned by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), which reportedly makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to acquire same, whether for housing, commercial of farming purposes. This had even led to the officials of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) moving a motion to have the issue surrounding lands in the region investigated and addressed.

Squatters
Speaking at the meeting, Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell stressed that persons are occupying unsuitable lands and local government bodies are later faced with issues relative to placement of infrastructure and environmental challenges. Arrindell noted that, at this point, agencies need to look at how they can collaborate and divert the amount of squatters, especially in the area of the Dakoura Creek, which is considered a conservation site.
She further urged the stakeholders to look at alternatives proposed by the Deputy Mayor, whom she noted has a better understanding of the terrain of the land.
Senior Land Administration Officer attached to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Julian Benons, in his remarks, pointed to the short-lived Land Selection Committee which was in place at the RDC, and the role it was designed to play in terms of the allocation of lands within the Region.
Further, he indicated that the squatting issue is not one which is limited to Linden, but is pervasive in the country, and he stressed the need to deter persons from engaging in squatting and the need to create legal housing alternatives.
In looking at squatting at Amelia’s Ward, Benons alleged that there is someone behind it. He added that this person is allegedly collecting monies for lands but is issuing receipts for the clearing and fencing of those lands.
Bethune, in his remarks, noted that based on what is happening now, there is need for agencies to be more proactive, and he made the call for a closer examination of what is happening on the ground with representatives of NICIL.
The Deputy Mayor said while he understands residents’ frustration, there seems to be individuals usurping the authority of agencies and are taking money from residents for lands. As such, he said there is need to be more aggressive in moving towards positive intentions. He said alternative options must be outlined, or it will be a difficult task to prevent squatting, and collaboration needs to be very active, with some degree of urgency.
LM&TC Councillor Lawrence Simon also pointed to massive land clearing ongoing at Amelia’s Ward, which he said could have been halted had the authorities stepped in earlier. Simon said persons have expressed their frustration at having applied for land and encountering a “bottle neck” effect, which has resulted in them squatting.
Meanwhile, Environmental Engineer Samuel Wright, who also spoke at the meeting, said there is presently a sense of urgency in regard to squatting, to which he believes the relevant agencies are not responding. He indicated that there is currently an organised approach to squatting, and questioned whether this is cultural or related to a failure of housing strategy.
The stakeholders have agreed to examine and identify squatting areas and alternative housing areas within the coming week. (Utamu Belle)