The Ministry of Housing and Water says government has invested $500 million in the Amelia’s Ward, Linden area that will see the allotment of 1,000 house lots and another 1,000 are to be assigned before the year ends.

The statement was made during a Cabinet Outreach exercise in Region 10 hosted on Saturday.

Residents of Amelia’s Ward, Cinderella City and Lovers’ Lane told Minister Irfaan Ali that their greatest concerns were related to land; they said they are not in possession of land titles even though they went through the necessary processes.

Ali indicated that the ministry has already conducted a block and occupation survey. However, the land was previously owned by the bauxite company and is currently being transferred to the ministry. He also said because of squatting in the area before it was regularised some persons, were not catered for, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release reported.

Ali also said a strong stand has to be taken against persons who are acquiring land in Linden but are living overseas as persons living in the area are given preference.

Some residents also complained about the long process it takes before they are allotted a piece of land. In response he explained that in previous years the government was unable to allocate land speedily due to indebtedness, however it now has the capacity and resources to do so. Ali said government is spending $500M to develop phase three of the Amelia’s Ward projects that would see the allocation of about 1,000 house lots to residents.

Also before year end, it is expected that another contract would be awarded for continued development of the area and the allocation of another 1,000 house lots.

According to GINA residents commended the improvements in the water supply though one person indicated that South Amelia’s Ward still does not receive water. Farmers in the area also said they needed land to carry out cattle and poultry rearing, which is intended to develop agriculture in the area.

Residents also voiced concerns about the erosion of roads during heavy rainfall, the cleaning of creeks and the proposed construction of a community centre.