“I’m very happy that I now have a piece of land” – single mother

…as 2 Mocha families celebrate Govt-allocated house lots

Two families of Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD), squatting area are beginning a new chapter after receiving Government-allocated house lot. Posts shared on social media by the recipient’s expressed gratitude for the swift notification, allocation and support they received during the process. Single mother Victoria Dandrade expressed that living at the back dam was uncomfortable and she was very glad to have received the opportunity to be allocated a new house lot. “I have two kids and I’m a single mother, and I’m very happy that I now have a piece of land. I grew up in Mocha and have been living at the dam for the past two years with my children. I also grew up here with my father.

I received about eight calls and they kept calling and encouraging me to come out,” one recipient said. Meanwhile, another recipient, Leron Griffith noted that although the process took some time, they were still very grateful for the outcome. “So far, it’s been great for me. I can’t really explain how great this is. The process itself was the highlight for me. It took about five to six years and was not always good, but it all worked out in the end, and I am thankful for that,” the recipient stated. Meanwhile in November of 2025 Guyana Times had reported that the Housing Ministry, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), continues the regularisation of the Arcadia (Mocha) squatting area, offering security of tenure and bringing relief to dozens of families.

The CH&PA had commenced the processing of ownership documents with the issuance of Allocation Letters and Agreements of Sale on November 27, 2025, continuing the exercise on November 28. At the time, Director of Community Development Gladwin Charles presented ownership documents to several beneficiaries. Occupation of the Arcadia area reportedly began over 10 years ago, with a noticeable increase in squatting activities between 2015 and 2020. Following necessary groundwork, CH&PA began regularisation in 2024. Survey works were completed in early 2025, providing the foundation for allocation, planning and document issuance. Of the 104 lots containing structures, 68 are occupied. To date, 36 of the occupied lots have met the eligibility requirements for allocation and processing of Agreements of Sale. This ongoing intervention is part President Ali’s Operation Clear-Up, a national initiative designed to ensure that families residing in informal settlements that can be regularised are transitioned into secure, sustainable and fully formalised communities.