The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is moving to complete the regularisation of squatting areas throughout Guyana. Upon completion of the project, some 24,000 houselots will be legitimised.
For last year, the Agency was able to complete surveys in areas in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), 9 (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
Providing an update on the project earlier this week, was the Director for Community Development Gladwin Charles, who described the regularisation and relocation aspect of the CH&PA the most challenging of the Communities Ministry.
“…Is the most challenging areas that the ministry has to deal with. Over the years the CH&PA has been involved in the regularisation and relocation of squatters. In the areas that could be regularised, the Agency identified 173 areas. To date, the CH&PA would have completed 159 surveys out of the 173 areas,” he said.
Charles noted that the remaining 14 areas are at various stages. He noted too, that the agency is working on the transfer of these lands to the CH&PA.
“The remaining 14 that we have, they are at various stages of completion. We are working on the transfer of the lands. The groundwork; the block surveys have completed. We are working with the legal department in terms of transferring of ownership of the lands to CH&PA…when the regularisation is completed, we will have approximately 24,000 lots,” the Director said.
As it relates to relocation, some 500 persons that occupy reserves, were interviewed by the Agency for 2019. The CH&PA is working along with community groups and community leaders to find solutions.
Charles also provided an update on the relocation of the Broad and Lombard Streets squatters, whose homes had been destroyed by fire.
“We are working in collaboration with Food for the Poor and 20 houses are being completed at Prospect. And very soon, maybe in the next week, those houses will be handed over. They are working on the electrical fittings right now and the houses are being painted. Before the end of January, those persons will be living in those houses,” Charles said.
