The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sherwyn Greaves has warned that squatting deminishes citizens’ chances of accessing government issued house lots in the near future.
The CEO issued the warning during a visit to Phase 4 Amelia’s Ward/Fitz Hope, Linden, where several persons are illegally residing.
Greaves made an impromptu visit to the community following a surge in illegal occupation of residential lots. The CH&PA has also reported that structures are being constructed on lands that it has already allocated to families through the proper channels.
Reports indicate that individuals have been unlawfully selling allocated lots, advising buyers to apply through the agency. Persons have been illegally occupying lands there since 2017.
Greaves warned individuals who have fallen victims to this deception that any illegal structures on these lands may be demolished, and the Ministry is not obligated to honor any claims arising from such activities.
He made it clear that those engaging in such illicit activities risk hindering their ability to access residential lots from the agency in the future. He emphasized that the Ministry will not be pressured into transactions by people involved in illegal activities, as their names are recorded, and this could impede legitimate transactions in the future.
Additionally, Greaves urged legitimate landowners in the area to be vigilant and assist the agency in monitoring the area to prevent squatting on their lands. He assured the public that the Ministry is working in the interest of all eligible applicants, seeking additional lands.
Furthermore, he mentioned ongoing infrastructure works to upgrade the road network in the region, with an additional $80 million recently approved by the Board for this purpose.
