Charity Squatting Area residents to receive land titles soon

Residents of the Charity informal settlement in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will soon be in receipt of their land titles.
On Wednesday, a release from the Housing Ministry stated that Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, led a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) on an outreach with the informal settlers and other residents at the Gaulin Supermarket parking lot. The meeting was a follow-up to an engagement President Dr Irfaan Ali had had with residents the previous day.
During the Ministers’ Outreach, some 50 informal settlers were able to register for their Agreements of Sale and Certificates of Title.

“This is a matter that has been outstanding for a while… [and] within a few days, those persons are expected to receive their title,” Croal is quoted in the release as saying. He added that the priority of the Government is to ensure that all Guyanese live in a developed and wholesome environment.
Regularisation of the area began in 2011 under President Ali, who was the Minister of Housing and Water at the time. A total of 226 lots were created. However, the processing of titles was put on hold to verify ownership of the area. Field verifications were conducted by CHPA staff in March 2021, and 123 lots were verified. Fifteen persons were found to be occupying road and drainage reserves. However, fifteen lots within the area have since been identified for their relocation.
Rodrigues, during a brief site visit to the area, highlighted that the infrastructural works are also expected to commence soon. In keeping with the President’s commitment, the Minister noted, two concrete roads and drains would be constructed, one at the front of the settlement and one towards the back.
A number of the residents stated that the ownership documents as well as the development of roads would significantly impact their community.
“I believe it will be a great improvement, especially for the school children,” shared Mr. Washington Chase, who has been an informal settler for some ten years.
Meanwhile, for informal settler and father of six, Ralph Garraway, the work of the Ministry provides a sense of pride and comfort for those residing in the area.
Another follow-up meeting would be held with residents to facilitate the processing of additional agreements of sale and certificates of title.