Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, announced the successful regularization of 13 squatting areas between 2020 and 2023 in Regions Two, Three, Four, and Ten, impacting 1644 households. During a recent press briefing, Minister Croal revealed ongoing efforts to regularize an additional eight areas in 2024.
The regularization process included various regions and areas, such as Charity in Region Two with 228 lots, and in Region Three, Greenwich Park (44 lots), DeKenderen (17 lots), Tuschen Railway (48 lots), Uitvlugt/Stewartville (82 lots), Vergenogen Railway (64 lots), Vergenogen South Acme (86 lots), and Good Hope Railway (46 lots).
Region Four witnessed regularization in Bachelor’s Adventure [Bare Root] (321 lots), Block CH Chateau Margot (44 lots), and Annandale Railway (76 lots). In Region Ten, Block E Christainburg and Wismar [Blueberry Hill] (155 lots), and Conception of Fitz Hope-Parcel 3 to 435 Amelia’s Ward Ph 4 (433 lots) underwent regularization.
The slated areas for regularization in 2024 include Philadelphia Railway (16 lots), Barnwell Railway (18 lots), DeWillem (34 lots), and Vergenoegen/Tuschen (71 lots) in Region Three. In Region Four, DeEndragt Railway (51 lots), Vigilance/Bladen Hall/Strathspey Railway (52 lots), Beterverwagting Railway (15 lots), and Mocha/Arcadia (222 lots) are set for regularization.
Minister Croal highlighted a major focus for the year, involving the removal of the entire riverbank between Herstelling to Diamond on the East Bank Demerara. The ministry has initiated discussions with individuals for relocation, assigning house lots, and guiding interested parties to the housing program. This initiative aligns with a commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his visit to the area last year.
To address squatting on the Soesdyke Highway, President Ali announced the creation of 500 lots for a relocation process. Minister Croal clarified that regularization may involve relocation rather than formalizing the current location.
Detailing the regularization process, Minister Croal explained the ministry’s systematic approach, including an occupation survey, household engagement, structure numbering, and an allocation system. He emphasized that individuals squatting who were previously allocated house lots will not be officially recognized.
These initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to enhancing citizens’ living conditions and addressing squatting issues across the regions.
