-to develop housing schemes

RESIDENTS of Bartica in Region Seven have been assured of the government’s commitment to develop new housing schemes and enhance infrastructure in the various communities.
This was disclosed by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal on Saturday as he met with residents at Mora Camp, Four and Five Mile scheme, Agatash and Dagg Point.
During these engagements residents urged the establishment of new housing schemes and improved access to potable water.

Speaking on the issue of housing, Minister Croal said the ministry is working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission for the acquisition of lands while, under the Ministry’s 2021 work programme, land-clearing will commence along with other infrastructural works.

These plans the minister said will accelerate the overall housing drive not only for Bartica, but also for other regions around the country. Responding to complaints about housing services in the region, the minister said plans are already in place to strengthen regional housing offices.

As a short-term intervention to address the issues, the minister committed to sending a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority to the region for a one-day exercise.
Additionally, the ministry will be working on strengthening customer service which is aimed at reducing the large number of people who flock the ministry’s head office in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal also addressed issues of squatting in several areas, including Mora Camp and a section of Five Mile Housing scheme. It was noted that the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Lands and Surveys Commission will find a solution for this.
But Minister Croal reiterated government’s zero-tolerance policy for squatting, noting that there are certain systems and processes that need to be followed for the legal acquisition of land.