“We want everybody in proper living conditions” – Pres Ali tells Tucville squatters

…says MOH&W will engage residents on relocation

Persons squatting on the state reserves at Tucville, Georgetown were on Wednesday engaged by President Dr Irfaan Ali who told them that his government’s vision is for them to live better lives.
At the squatting area, a number of persons are occupying the state reserves for many years -some initially moving to the area after the massive Tiger Bay fire. Some squatters have already received house lots and have started their new journey while others remain.
Now, the government is seeking to have these persons relocated or helping them to transition to their new house lots.
“We now have to discuss with you in the community, how you transition. We want everybody in proper living conditions. For those who have the house lots, we can work with you now on transitioning so we can clear up these areas. This was only a temporary facility. We have to first agree that this was temporary…The idea was We are back and we are working on correcting a lot of this. The whole housing programme went dead. That is just the truth. The idea then was a temporary location and then to move to a permanent area,” the President told residents.
He outlined that his administration is aggressive in creating better lives for all Guyanese. Ali pointed out that while squatters are already investing in these lands to build homes, it does not add to their net value.
“The truth is you can’t stay here and develop. You can invest in this thing here and get nothing because you can’t take this land to the bank and you can’t take the house to a bank. So, we have to put you in a place where you can increase your net value. That is what we want.”
Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and other officials from the Housing Ministry are expected to visit the area to sort out the removal of the squatters and their occupation of legitimate lands.
For those persons who were concerned about their investment, the President assured, “We will make an assessment. The PPP has always been a party that helps people. We work with people. We want people to live positive lives. There are enough opportunities for everybody to live positive and meaningful lives in every community, whether it is Tucville, Canje, or anywhere. We want everybody to be involved.”
Efforts by the president were lauded by villagers, as many signaled their intentions to cooperate and remove within the shortest possible.
In September, Minister Croal reminded persons that there is no need for squatting, as the Ministry is working on a comprehensive plan to address the issue of housing for persons engaged in squatting. He had encouraged persons to refrain from squatting and to utilise the right channel to obtain a house lot.
Around that time, he had made it clear that new squatting areas will not be recognised by the Housing and Water Ministry, as efforts move apace to issue titles for some of the current areas where the issue is prevalent. For this year, over 400 titles have already been issued while there are about 45 illegal settlements under the radar.