The Government of Guyana is in the process of relocating some 35 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) households that occupy lands on reserves earmarked to be used for the construction of the Eccles to Great Diamond Four-Lane Highway. This was disclosed by the Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal in the National Assembly today, during his contribution to the Budget 2022 debates.
The area, also known to residents as “Caneview”, is an extension of “Mocha Arcadia”. It is a rural informal settlement situated on a portion of reserved land. The settlement is bounded by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) canal to the west and a drainage trench to the east. No physical infrastructure, electricity or water distribution network has been installed in the area.
Croal told the House that he met with the residents and discussed their situation with a view to arriving at a mutually satisfactory resolution.
“We identified housing areas to which the settlers will be relocated – Plantation Herstelling and Plantation Farm. I’m happy to report that those residents will be allocated house lots at no cost to them. The Valuation Department provided valuations for their structures which reflected the current market value of each property. So far, 21 households have been fully compensated, 20 house lots have been allocated – 15 at Herstelling and five at Farm. Each household will receive financial compensation in full, based on that valuation,” he said.
Guyana Standard understands that these citizens are expected to relocate within three months of receiving their compensation and as at February 1st, thirteen of the allottees began construction of their new homes.
The Minister said that this move reflects a caring government and further illustrates the regime’s ability to listen to the concerns of citizens and its commitment to find solutions to those who require housing solutions.
