MINISTER of Housing, Collin Croal, on Tuesday met with families occupying a government reserve at Success, East Coast Demerara, to address long-standing issues related to land ownership and the regularisation process.
The minister underscored that while the process requires patience and tolerance, the government is committed to resolving the matter.
He said: “Some of you have occupied these lands for more than 20 years. We are mandated to address squatting, and we are working. We have completed logging of squatting areas in Region Three, and will soon commence this exercise in Region Four.”
The regularisation process in Success began in 2021, when the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) conducted inventory, block, and occupation surveys. Following these assessments, the final survey plan was submitted to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) for recording, and a block title was subsequently obtained.
Verification exercises revealed that 51 lots were created in the area. Of these, 43 structures were inventoried and assigned identification numbers (SRD 1 to SRD 43). The CH&PA’s Community Development Department later verified the number of structures and occupancy in accordance with the survey plan.
During a meeting today residents were shown the updated plan with the footpaths outlined, to ensure every household has access to their property.
“We first have to agree on the plan so that it can be recorded, and then move forward with the signing of the Agreements of Sale and the issuance of Titles, which will commence on Friday, October 10, 2025,” the minister announced.
The exercise forms part of the government’s broader commitment to addressing squatting, ensuring security of tenure and promoting orderly community development. (Ministry of Housing)