Linden’s Deputy Mayor calls for alternative measures to address squatting

With a notable increase in squatter settlements throughout the mining town of Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Linden’s Deputy Mayor, Wainewright Bethune, is seeking a collaborative effort with all relevant stakeholders to address the situation and to explore various alternative measures for residents.

Bethune recently told members of the media that there has been a surge in squatters, more specifically in mined-out and other areas across the Region, which he noted can and has already had hazardous effects on the livelihood of the people and the environment.
“Squatting is illegal, which is something that should not be encouraged but I do understand the frustration of people of wanting house lots and to get their own private property so they could live their lives comfortable. But these things would get more of a negative impact on agency eventually and those same persons who are squatting because there’s not a design or a plan where it’s being done and in order to get infrastructure in there it’s very difficult; and some of these things you just cannot repair. So, I would ask the residents to be patient and desist from such activity; while I understand your frustration”, Bethune stated.
The Deputy Mayor also noted that while squatting is illegal, more attention needs to be paid to finding housing solutions in Linden as he pointed out that with a more professional and systematic approach, many of these areas can be transformed into aesthetically beautiful and safer housing zones.
“I would also implore on the authorities, when you look at the demographics of Linden I think there are lots of lands available in various parts of this township. What we have to do is sit as stakeholders – the Mayor and Town Council, RDC (Regional Democratic Council), the Lands and Survey… to have discussions to identify areas where we can put people. Because you cannot tell people not to squat and there are no alternatives. People need land and I think it’s time the authorities really get together and see what is available…NICIL (National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited) plays a key role in this. See what is available and have surveys done and have lands available in different parts of Linden”, the Deputy Mayor urged.
He further explained that in most cases, these squatter settlements eventually become regularised and with that there are also serious challenges with regards to infrastructural development. As such, Bethune said there must be a level of responsibility by both the authorities and residents.
He noted that the issue has had his attention over the past few weeks as he related that he has some ideas which can be proposed to Central Government and other necessary stakeholders. In this light, the Deputy Mayor added that he plans on engaging various stakeholders about the issue.
“It’s going to be some tremendous issues a few years from now if those lands are occupied and they have to be regularised…As the Mayor and Town Council, I think we represent the residents of this town and if we see that they’re suffering, especially with this land issue it is something that would have been there for quite a while. So, of course, it would be a proposition from the Mayor and Town Council to ask the stakeholders to come on board. Of course, we would be proposing some of the areas that we think could be occupied for residents. We are also tasked with doing town planning, so we have to look at the landmass in Linden and make decisions where we’re going to put what…”, he related.
Bethune continued by saying that he’s quite certain that there are areas in the community that can be identified for housing purposes. He said while he is positive that this can happen, there is the need for the residents and stakeholders to quickly come on board. The Deputy Mayor stressed that if the issue is not addressed it will become a major one.
“We see what’s happening in Amelia’s Ward… Dakoura mines and we have to do things to curb this… I was in the mines and I’ve seen a lot of houses going up by the corner, by the side of the river. These things would have direct or indirect environmental impacts and we cannot have our residents living like this. I think some massive representation needs to be made with all stakeholders on board and ensure that at least a significant number of persons will get house lots through the legal way. And I think then we can curb most of this squatting that is going on”, Bethune noted.