THE Ministry, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving issues with informal settlers peacefully and empathetically.
The agency on Friday emphasised that its approach has consistently been fair and mutually beneficial for all parties involved.

The situation involving the Success South squatters first gained the agency’s attention in August 2020, following a request from Mr. Zaman Shaw, Chairman of the Better Hope/Success/LBI Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). At that time, the lands were managed by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

On October 1, 2020, the agency began inviting residents from nearby communities to start the process of legally acquiring residential house lots.

This initiative was bolstered by a visit from the Hon. Collin Croal, the Minister responsible, along with officials from NICIL. During that visit, the illegal occupants were again urged to vacate the land. A public notice was issued in daily newspapers, offering assistance to those willing to relocate, with a deadline set for October 4, 2020.

Despite the deadline, many occupants remained on the land, prompting further actions from the Ministry. In December 2022, another assessment was conducted, followed by additional engagements with the squatters. In May 2023, the Ministry proposed several relocation options, including low- or moderate-income land at the Lusignan housing development, middle-income land at Success, or a three-bedroom home to be constructed at Success. Minister Croal assured that the Ministry would assist each person to ensure a smooth transition.

By December 12, 2023, thirty-three of the forty-five occupants had been allocated new homes. In February 2024, the CH&PA Community Development Department issued steel and cement subsidy forms to the remaining occupants and provided water tanks with routine refilling, a measure that will continue until the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) can provide a continuous water supply.

The agency also managed the relocation of properties when necessary, covering all expenses and involving the owners in the process. These interventions over the past three years underscore the agency’s humane and tolerant approach to dealing with squatting issues.

The Ministry on Friday reiterated its commitment to its mandate of providing affordable housing for all citizens and emphasised that squatting is illegal and often hinders national development. The agency’s efforts to resolve the issues reflect its dedication to maintaining a fair and compassionate approach while ensuring progress in national housing initiatives.