–amidst alarming reports of illicit transactions being facilitated allegedly by community’s NDC members, opposition figures
THE Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW) and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) have issued a stern warning regarding unauthorised land sales and leases occurring within the Mocha/Arcadia community, located on the East Bank of Demerara.
In separate statements released on Saturday morning, both ministries responded to alarming reports of illegal land transactions allegedly facilitated by members of the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and local opposition figures.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) emphasised that any unauthorised sale or transfer of land in this area is illegal and will not be recognised.
The MoHW also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, urging both sellers and potential buyers to cease these transactions immediately, as they will be deemed null and void.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that such actions are illegal,” the MoHW said in its statement, highlighting the urgency of the situation as it works towards regularising land ownership in the area.

In November 2022, the CH&PA conducted an extensive inventory exercise that revealed over 300 occupied and unoccupied structures in Mocha/Arcadia, and discussions in 2023 with Housing Minister Collin Croal and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag have accelerated the regularisation efforts.
However, the land remains under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), complicating the regularisation process. Significant progress has been made, with block plans for three land parcels being prepared to facilitate legal ownership for residents.

The MLGRD further highlighted the legal framework surrounding state land. On September 9, 2024, a Cease Order was issued prohibiting all NDCs and RDCs from the rental, sale, or lease of state land without explicit permission from the minister, as outlined in the Local Government Act.
It was clarified that no authorisation has been granted to the Mocha/Arcadia NDC for these activities, and any transactions carried out are illegal.
The Ministry urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities concerning the sale of state lands, reinforcing its commitment to lawful land management and protection of residents from fraudulent practices.

Channels for reporting these activities include telephone numbers (592) 225-8619, (592) 223-0781, or (592) 652-3554, and emails ps@mlgrd.gov.gy or ministersecretariat@mlgrd.gov.gy.
Both ministries said they are dedicated to ensuring that the integrity of government records is maintained and that residents of Mocha/Arcadia can obtain legal ownership of their lands through the established regularisation process.