THE Ministry of Public Works has given in excess of 60 squatters on the sea defence at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, 14 days to vacate the area.

Sea defence Engineer Geoffrey Vaughn told the squatters in a meeting at his Wight’s Lane office, that their removal was necessary, in order to execute remedial works to avert a disaster of a significant magnitude.
The residents have since indicated their willingness to move, but expressed their inability to find alternative living arrangements. Some said that their house lot applications are currently being processed.

But Vaughn noted that whilst his department is sympathetic to the residents’ plight, the first concern of his department is the safety of not only the squatters, but the residents of the surrounding communities.

The engineer indicated that this is not the first time the residents have been issued with letters to vacate the area, and said that failure to comply will lead to a final letter after which the ministry will take whatever action it deems necessary to have the works completed.

To this end Vaughn encouraged the residents to approach the Ministry of Housing collectively, in order to expedite the processing of their applications.