Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt on Monday told squatters along the Good Hope Sea Defence that they have been given house lots at Grassfield, Lusignan.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said representatives from about 30 families from the squatter settlement in the East Coast Demerara area met with President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2005 to discuss plans for their relocation. This meeting was followed by an informal one during a ‘walkabout’ in “areas aback of the ‘Tropical Woods and Wood-processing facility.”
GINA said Jagdeo negotiated with the Guyana Sugar Corporation for the land. Loam roads have already been built in Grassfield while pipelines are being laid and plans are in train for the installation of electrical infrastructure. Nawbatt told the recipients that the deadline for making payments to the ministry to start the relocation process is March 31.
Nawbatt also said that the area along the sea defence “is way too low and it is susceptible to flooding.” He also pointed out that the ministry would be “moving against” persons who continue to squat on government reserves after they have been given lots.
