THE acquisition of land titles by residents of Kwakwani in Region Ten began on Tuesday when they signed up for their Agreements of Sale.
This initiative specifically benefitted individuals occupying lands in Kwakwani Housing Scheme (Phases One, Two, and Three), Park-Potville, and Chine Lane.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who emphasised the significance of the exercise, spearheaded the outreach, as it marked the beginning of regularising the area.

The outreach was conducted in Kwakwani, Region Ten
Minister Croal explained that residents have inhabited the housing area for several years, but no official ownership documents were issued. In an effort to resolve the issue, he said the area was transferred to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and an occupational survey was conducted.

Those incorporated into the existing plan were able to process their ownership documents, while another exercise will be conducted to accommodate persons who fall outside of the plan.
“We have up to 200 persons who can sign to commence the process for their agreements of sale and the processing of the certificates of title that can be done totally from those three areas,” he said.

The minister affirmed that the initiative was in alignment with the national housing programme of the PPP/C government, which aims to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for all Guyanese.
“We want to bring betterment to the people… we want to have you living in homes that you can call yours…to have you living on a land that you can pass on to your children for generations to come,” he noted.

The Minister also spoke to the relocation of residents at the waterfront since it is prone to flooding. He stated that 25 acres of land had been identified for the relocation and resettlement programme.
The Chief Executive Officer of the CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves, was also present at the event. He reassured the residents that the agency was committed to addressing all housing matters in Kwakwani promptly and efficiently.

Greaves further explained that once individuals receive their ownership documents, they will have the opportunity to apply for the Cement and Steel Subsidy. This subsidy will enable them to commence the construction of their homes, providing further support towards their housing needs.

Meanwhile, a number of residents who successfully completed the process were able to receive their certificates of title during the activity.
Residents were also given the opportunity to raise a number of concerns at the meeting and they were addressed by the Minister and team.