Minister of Housing Irfaan Ali says that strong action will be taken in the next three months to remove and relocate squatters who have taken up residence on the sea defence and government reserves.
This announcement comes after squatters were asked to visit the Ministry of Housing in order to apply for houselots.
According to a GINA release yesterday, “Squatters who had occupied reserves at Tuschen, Stewartville and Sea Spray, which were affected by the 2005 flood, were removed and allocated houselots. However, some have sold or given them to relatives”.
The release quoted Ali as saying “We have documented the squatting areas…we have sent a very strong message that persons who squat after that date…we will have to remove you…we are not going to be drawn into this type of behaviour.”
Alli disclosed that areas including Sophia and Mandela Avenue (next to the Chinese Embassy) have been targeted for squatters’ removal. The Ministry has already issued notices, the release said.
According to the release, within the next three months, the Housing Ministry will be expediting allocations and conclude repossession of lots in Diamond, Mon Repos, Good Hope and the Parfait Harmonie Housing Schemes. Ali further said that other areas are being discussed for new developments which will see infrastructural works being conducted on new lots which will be available.
He noted that discussions are currently ongoing with President Bharrat Jagdeo to have 17,000 lots available.
The Minister also disclosed that the Tuschen and Parfait Harmonie housing schemes will be expanded, although an area has not been decided upon as yet. However possibilities are also being examined to develop houses along the East Bank where land is available, Ali further disclosed.
