IN a bid to bolster homeownership and address the issue of squatting, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at facilitating land title acquisition and regularisation efforts in various communities across Guyana.

During a recent address, Minister Croal disclosed plans for an upcoming exercise focused on processing Agreements of Sale for allottees of the Experiment Housing Scheme in Region Five.

This initiative aims to expedite the land title acquisition process, bringing allottees one step closer to realising their homeownership dreams.

Acknowledging the persistent challenge of squatting, Minister Croal outlined strategies to tackle this issue effectively.

He highlighted efforts to regularise certain areas prone to squatting while emphasising the relocation of residents from zero-tolerance zones such as river dams.

Among the key developments mentioned by Minister Croal was the regularisation of 48 households at the Referendum squatting area, accompanied by planned infrastructure improvements. Additionally, progress is underway for the regularisation of 26 households at Shieldstown/Blairmont and several households at Bush Lot. Furthermore, 16 households at the Blairmont river dam reserve are slated for relocation to the Balthyock Housing Scheme.

Speaking on Budget 2024, Minister Croal underscored its focus on human resource development, emphasising initiatives aimed at enhancing access to housing, education, social welfare, job creation, and infrastructure development. He assured residents that their concerns, voiced during the meeting, would be addressed in the coming weeks as part of ongoing efforts to improve living conditions and promote inclusive growth.

In a related development, the Housing Ministry, as reported by the National Communications Network, is intensifying efforts to tackle squatting in specific areas across the country. Since assuming office in 2020, the government, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, has identified 21 informal settlements in various regions. Encouragingly, more than 10 of these areas have already been regularised, with officials actively working to regulate the remaining settlements.

These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges, fostering sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for all Guyanese citizens.