Housing Ministry working to fast-track squatters’ relocation in Region 3

Residents of communities on the West Coast of Demerara and East Bank Essequibo – Region Three – have been assured that the Housing Ministry is working to resolve all squatting issues in the region, and to end all outstanding land ownership issues.
The assurance was given as Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal met with residents of Plantation Anna Catherina, Uitvlugt/ Stewartville Sideline Dam, Zeelugt Sideline Dam and Tuschen.
A release has stated that the Ministry, through its Community Development and Planning Department, is progressing with the regularisation and relocation process in a number of areas across the country. According to Croal, the relocation and regularisation process is a key component of the Government’s overall housing drive.
He noted that while there is a zero-tolerance approach to squatting, the Ministry remains committed to fixing the issues by offering persons the opportunity to acquire homes through the right process.
He, however, pointed out that even as the Ministry does its part and regularise where possible, in some instances, persons will have to be relocated, as they are hindering key infrastructural development. These developments are necessary for the advancement of the country as a whole, as structures are stalling sea defence works in Region Three.
In Anna Catherina, some 43 households have been identified and notified that they will be located, while 19 families will be regularised. For that area, the Block and Occupational Survey has been completed, while the plan is expected to be finalised within another two weeks.
Another 82 families who have occupied lots and homes at the Uitvlugt/Stewartville Sideline Dam have been informed that by mid-November of this year, the Ministry will proceed with the processing of titles/transports for their properties. For decades, residents have been without ownership documents, as the ownership of the land was in question.
Also, relocation has been discussed, and an area has been identified for 10 families who have taken up residence at Zeelugt Sideline Dam, also known as ‘Silk Cotton Tree Area’. Similar interventions have been made for families at the Tuschen Sea Defence area.
Meanwhile, persons have been encouraged to play their part in addressing the issue by apply to the Ministry and going through the right channel to obtain a house lot or their preferred housing option.
It must be noted that the Ministry remains committed to advancing the process of issuing ownership documents for lands under its purview, regularising squatters where possible, and relocating in instances where it is necessary.
Several meetings were held on Wednesday, and the Minister was joined by Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube, Community Development Director Gladwin Charles, Projects Coordinator in the Public Works Ministry Dennis Ramsingh, other regional officials, and a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.