— CH&PA CEO commits to addressing land concerns of all ECD citizens

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be working assiduously to streamline the land applications of squatters occupying GuySuCo lands unlawfully and other East Coast Demerara (ECD) residents, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sherwyn Greaves said.

Squatters have been occupying lands that belong to GuySuCo in Vryheid’s Lust, Success, and Chateau Margot, ECD for some months now.

According to a statement from Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, these squatters have been pleaded with to desist from squatting in these areas which belong to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

On Thursday, the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the CH&PA, hosted an exercise at the Chateau Margot Primary school to streamline the land application process, primarily for those squatters.

“We’re not turning anybody away today. We’ll take down the application and they’ll have the opportunity to provide whatever additional documentation they can bring it into the office as soon as they get them,” Greaves told this newspaper while at the primary school.

The CEO highlighted that the CH&PA will commence land preparation in the next few weeks, and related that in about six to eight weeks, the authority will begin allocating those house lots. Currently, 22 areas in Region Four- both on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, are being opened up for housing. And, priority will be given to those squatters who already have land applications with the authority to occupy those lands.

“It’s a GuySuCo issue but CH&PA’s mandate is to provide housing for the citizens and so it is a housing need which is why we are here and we are going to engage all the residents, we’re going to ensure those who applied before will be put on a priority list, those who never applied before will now apply and they will be treated as soon as lands become available,” Greaves explained.

The CEO did acknowledge that there is a large backlog of house applications but reminded that the government has committed to providing 50,000 house lots and housing units within the next few years.

AIN’T EASY

“Eleven years now I waiting, four children I get and it ain’t easy paying a house rent,” one squatter at Success said, showing her land application to members of the media.

Another woman, who was present at the primary school since 07:00 hours with her infant daughter in hand, lamented that she was a salesgirl working for a humble salary, but lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is for this reason that she was forced to squat on the GuySuCo lands at Success too. She related that she has submitted her land application since 2015, but to date, she has not been able to get a house lot.

“I can’t afford to pay a rent, I got my wife and my children,” Kishan Brijmohan, a driver, said. His wife, Sumindra, highlighted that she has been experiencing some difficulties in the land application process because Kishan cannot provide the required income statement.

“At this time we don’t have anywhere to go,” Sumindra lamented.

However, CH&PA CEO insisted that persons will not be neglected in this process. “An income statement is a simple calculation that our officers will assist them; they don’t have to do pay a (Justice of Peace) or an accountant, our officers will assist them,” he affirmed.

He also highlighted that this exercise will continue at this primary school until the squatters and other citizens who are coming to apply for land, are satisfied.

Ian Campbell, a teacher and farmer, was also there on Thursday to help streamline his land application. Though he was not squatting, he bemoaned the lofty cost of paying rent, particularly during this pandemic period.

Newly-elected Chairman of Region Four, Daniel Seeram, has endorsed the government’s efforts and assured that they will work in tandem with the authorities to safeguard the welfare of the citizens.

NOT TIME TO POINT FINGERS

“This is not the time to point fingers… this just time for collective effort — at the regional level, the Central Government level, the ministerial level — for us all to come around. If we push hard enough, we could get this done with a bit more expedience,” the chairman said.

He too was present at Chateau Margot and assured the scores of persons there that he would work along with the CEO and the CH&PA to ensure that redress is provided. Many persons told him that they were without all of the required documents, and sought his help.

“I will have to engage with housing so that we can find a way around this issue of registration but I think here is a golden opportunity to do things — not only to give out a piece of land to somebody but to get all Guyanese registered,” he said.

If need be, however, the chairman related that he and his staff in tandem with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDCs) will develop an initiative to assist persons in the communities with the registration process.

The required documents include a National Identification Card (an ID card) or a valid passport; a recent employment letter or a payslip, and for self-employed persons and affidavit of income; birth certificate of children, marriage certificate and death certificate of spouse (if applicable); completed form and a Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate.

“It is good to see them coming here and I hope this momentum pushes through so that persons get that piece of land that they want so much,” the chairman noted but reminded that land distribution is a process which takes time, and this is exacerbated by the backlog of applications.

Seeram also related that he would support the government if the decision is made to let the persons occupying the lands continue occupying them, cognisant of the many persons who already erected structures, some even permanent structures.

In his statement, Minister Croal further said, “I would like to categorically state that I have done and will continue to ensure that the housing needs of all Guyanese are approached with the utmost urgency and expediency.”

He ascertained that the ministry and NICIL representatives have been very tolerant while engaging the squatters, recognising the demand and need for adequate housing as a fundamental human right. Coral assured all that the ministry is striving to satisfy the housing needs of all Guyanese.