Twenty-seven Groenveldt residents on Friday received titles for their house lots as the Ministry of Housing pushes ahead with its regularization plan for the year.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Groenveldt (Wine Bush), West Coast Demerara had been earmarked for the allocation of 52 house lots. It has also benefited from the construction of all-weather roads and residents can access electricity and potable water.
Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber told the residents that the titles will make it easier for them to acquire loans since it’s a document that proves legal ownership of the land. He also told them that they will be able to further develop their living conditions since the construction of permanent structures is now possible.
Faerber noted that squatting on government reserves has been a problem in the region and that this practice is unacceptable. The Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have been tasked with issuing notices to persons living on reserves each year informing them that they must remove. “To incorporate those who have removed from reserves into regularized housing schemes, the Region has been in discussion with the Ministries of Housing and Water and Agriculture,” he added.
According to GINA, Faerber explained that regularizing Groenveldt is only part of government’s overall housing improvements in the region. He pointed to the development of another phase in Belle West, West Bank Demerara, as well as the development of 650 more house lots at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo this year. He also pointed out that Parfait Harmonie is developing gradually and it is expected to accommodate thousands of lots.
Additionally, Gladwin Charles, Director of the Settlement Upgrading and Regularization Unit noted that the Housing Ministry has specific criteria for regularising squatting areas. He highlighted that squatting on government reserves particularly along the sea defences is referred to as a zero tolerance area. He also pointed out that the minimum size of the land is 40 feet by 80 feet and residents are required to pay an $8,000 processing fee and $59,400 for the house lot.
Charles noted that government has spent over $25M to prepare infrastructure for the area.
