The government aims to regularise nine additional squatting areas along the East Coast of Demerara by the end of the first quarter of 2025, which will enable many residents to gain legal ownership of their lands. Targeted 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.
During a housing outreach at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal last Friday, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal emphasized that this initiative would create “a sustainable living environment” for residents. He further explained that land ownership would open doors to financing options, such as loans for home improvements or business ventures.
“We have regularised 17 areas overall since returning to office, including four on the East Coast of Demerara,” Minister Croal stated, underlining the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of residents in informal settlements. Since 2020, over 1,390 lots in squatting areas across the country have been regularised, enabling residents to secure ownership and stability.
Minister Croal also mentioned that earlier this year, eight squatting areas in Regions Three and Four were slated for regularisation, impacting hundreds of households. Reflecting on past years, he noted, “From 2015 to 2020, no area was regularised, and no ownership was provided. The impact of our current work is bringing joy and satisfaction to our people.”
The government continues to uphold a strict policy against recognizing any new squatting areas, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and lawful land distribution.
