Since 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has regularized 1,644 lots in 13 squatting areas. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to formalise housing and improve living conditions.
In Region Two, the community of Charity saw 228 lots regularized, providing legal stability to numerous families. Region Three witnessed substantial efforts as well, with 44 lots in Greenwich Park, 17 in De Kinderen, 48 in Tuschen Railway, 82 in Uitvlugt/Stewartville, 64 in Vergenogen Railway, 86 in Vergenogen South Acme, and 46 in Good Hope Railway receiving legal status.
Region Four experienced significant advancements in land regularization, with 321 lots in Bachelor’s Adventure (Bare Root), 44 in Block CH Chateau Margot, and 76 in Annandale Railway being certified. In Region 10, the government legalised 155 lots in Block E Christainburg and Blueberry Hill Wismar, along with a substantial 433 lots in Conception, Fitz Hope-Parcel Three to Parcel 435 Amelia’s Ward Phase Four.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, highlighted the government’s continuous commitment to this process since August 2020. “We are in various regions. We have some areas that we have recorded in terms of the squatting…We have an ongoing exercise for the removal of persons on the river dam along the Demerara River,” Minister Croal explained during a recent episode of Guyana Dialogue.
Despite these efforts, squatting remains an issue. Minister Croal emphasized that no new squatting areas would be recognized, although some small pockets have emerged and required immediate attention. “But there have been some small pockets that we have noticed popped up that we had to address…We have been monitoring the areas where we have squatting that we can minimise,” he added.
An incident in Sarah Johanna on the East Bank of Demerara had resulted in the displacement of seven families, who have since been relocated. He said the government is working diligently to secure permanent housing for these families, ensuring they have sustainable living environments to improve their quality of life.
Engagements with communities are ongoing, as evidenced by a recent meeting with residents of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo in Region Three, aimed at discussing relocation plans to provide them with better living conditions.
For the year 2023 alone, eight squatting areas have been targeted for regularization in Regions Three and Four, set to benefit 479 households. Specific areas include 16 lots in Philadelphia Railway, 18 lots in Barnwell Railway, 34 lots in De Willem, and 71 lots in Vergenoegen/Tuschen in Region Three. Meanwhile, Region Four will see the regularization of 51 lots in De Endragt Railway, 52 lots in Vigilance/Bladen Hall/Strathspey Railway, 15 lots in Beterverwagting Railway, and 222 lots in Mocha/Arcadia.
By systematically tackling the issue of squatting and focusing on sustainable solutions, Croal said the Ministry of Housing and Water aims to create a more structured and equitable housing landscape.
