Pres Ali commits to assist Zeelugt squatters in relocating

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday visited several villages in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), including Zeelugt and Meten-Meer-Zorg, during which several issues were addressed: such as road, drainage, infrastructure, and security.
In Zeelugt, the president upbraided regional engineers and contractors for the slow pace at which road and bridge construction works were ongoing in the area. He urged the Public Works Ministry to take the necessary steps to expedite the work, so that the residents can benefit from improved infrastructure.
Ali also met with a group of residents squatting on Government reserve in Zeelugt North (Sideline Dam). Many of them had been allocated land as part of their relocation process. He assured continued support in the relocation of the residents to developed housing schemes within the region. These include the provision of steel and cement to accelerate the construction of their homes.

“So, all who got house lots, when you move, we are going to help you…you got this steel and cement vouchers…. Importantly, you can’t stay here…. It’s not good for the children, it’s not good for you,” he admonished.
The president underscored Government’s commitment to addressing the issue of squatting nationwide, while noting the administration’s dedication to ensuring citizens have safe and comfortable living conditions.
“We want to work together to improve this…because we want the children to have the best environment…Makes no sense you invest your money and build here and use it,” the president said.
The Housing and Water Ministry, along with the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development, would return to the area on Sunday to further engage the residents on the relocation process.
The president was accompanied by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag, among other technical staff.