Thousands of house lots & titles earmarked for Lindeners – Pres Ali

…as some 11 squatting areas are to be regularised in Reg 10

Making a pitch for political responsibility over Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) and, specifically, Linden, President Dr. Irfaan Ali assured that his government is intent on continuing to bring more development to Linden, including through the distribution of 1000 more land titles.

During a meeting with the people of Victory Valley in Linden, Region 10, President Ali spoke of his government’s plans for the continued development of Linden. While Linden is considered an opposition stronghold, the President, accompanied by fellow cabinet Ministers Hugh Todd and Juan Edghill who have parliamentary responsibility for Linden, received a warm reception.
According to President Ali, the government has plans to open up new lands to meet the demand for housing in the region and further, for the distribution of 1000 more land titles. And indeed, it was confirmed during the visit by Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, that at least 11 squatting areas in the region will be regularized.
They include Siberian, Silver Hill, Coomacka, New Harden, West Watooka, Plantation Wismar, Blocks ‘E’ and ‘F’ of Canva City, Green Valley Block ‘F’, Amelia’s Ward Block 43, and Ituni. According to the President, in addition to regularizing these areas, they will be distributing some 1000 titles.
“There’s a difference between political responsibility and political power. And I can show you what political responsibility is. My friends, we seek to build on a foundation of trust… we’re going to work on regularizing and giving another 1000 titles to persons living here. And we’re going to work to find the land so that we can meet the demand,” the Head of State said.
With the next General and Regional elections approaching, the President made an appeal for the people of Linden to trust his government with the political responsibility for their region. This, according to the President, would allow them to make an even greater difference in their lives.
“You have never given us the political responsibility here in Linden and Region 10. All we seek is not power. We seek your support so we can win here and get the political responsibility to show you what good, committed, selfless political leadership can further bring to your region.”
“I’m asking for political responsibility by your support. Not political power. They have the political power, what have they done?” President Ali further informed the residents of Victory Valley and, by extension, Region 10.
It was pointed out during the visit that between 2015 and 2020, no areas in Region Ten were regularized under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.
However, the government has since distributed certificates of title to over 750 residents in several areas that underwent a process of regularization last year. These areas include Block 42, Blueberry Hill, Canva City, Ituni, and Amelia’s Ward.
An occupational survey conducted in August 2024 had revealed that over 1500 housing structures are in existence in five different areas along the Soesdyke- Linden Highway. As the Government continues to regularize housing along the highway, plans are in place to develop more structured communities and relocate many of these households.
As a matter of fact, the Government plans to regularize several informal settlements this year, ensuring persons have legal ownership of their lands. A total of 35 lots at Lima Sands Housing Scheme along with an additional 60 at Walton Hall in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be regularised.
The process also includes 59 lots at Plantation Best Reserve in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). A further 43 lots at Success and 209 at Mocha Arcadia in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) will be certified.
Other areas include Vigilance South and North, Coldingen North, De Endragt South of the Railway Embankment, Enmore Newtown and Beezie, Enmore Hope West, Enterprise Block 8, and Enterprise Market Street – all in Region Four. (G-3)