The regularisation of some squatter settlements by the Housing and Water Ministry is posing tremendous challenges since it has been found that many people have occupied land that cannot be converted into housing schemes. In light of this, the Ministry has been continuing to take proactive measures to stem the issue of squatting and provide individuals with house lots and basic infrastructural amenities to enjoy a decent standard of living.

Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali has reiterated that squatters of Skull City, La Grange and Plastic City, Region Three who have been occupying unauthorised lands over the past few years will be relocated.

The Minister and a team of officials from the Housing Ministry over the past few months have been meeting with squatters to encourage them to remove and to apply for house lots through the Ministry.

Minister Ali said that according to a condition and occupation survey completed by his Ministry in the Skull City area, only a section of the land occupied by squatters can be regularised. Those who have taken up residence in burial grounds will have to be removed since their living conditions are posing tremendous health risks to themselves and families.

He said as it relates to Plastic City, the study has concluded that persons will have to remove completely since the environment is not conducive for housing development.

“The area cannot be regularised, they are living on the boundaries of the sea and as a result of changing weather patterns, climatic conditions and issues of global warming, government is taking a proactive approach to ensure the well-being of the people,” Minister Ali said.

He said a phased removal will be conducted over the next three months to have squatters relocated.

“We are actively proceeding with the action to remove a number of them (squatters). Some have already received house lots and removed…People basically in this area (Plastic City) know that they are exposing themselves to difficulties. There are some of course who just don’t care about the rule of law and their own health but we need to enforce the rules in the interest of the people, so that is what we are doing,” he said.

Several contravention notices have also been issued for the removal of squatters who have been occupying sea defences and the Guyana Water Incorporated’s shelter belt reserve.

Final notices have been issued by the GWI with a deadline period of July month end for squatters to take corrective actions. The reserve is essential for GWI in developing its facility and protecting the water source from contamination, he said.

The Minister further added that other areas such as Sophia and aback the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal which were previously occupied by squatters are continuously being monitored by the Housing Ministry. (GINA)