The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has taken measures to remove persons squatting along the reserve at Edinburgh on the West Coast of Demerara.
A release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) related that it has encountered challenges with an increase in squatting in certain areas. Particular mention was made of the government reserve west of the Cornelia Ida Cemetery in Edinburgh, where CH&PA was forced to demolish structures, after issuing several warnings to the occupants.
According to Lester Kitt, Head of the CH&PA’s Enforcement Unit, the Authority engaged the occupants, the first meeting having been held on January 23, however, persons reportedly continued to weed and build structures on the reserve.
The release said that on the 7th meeting with the squatters, eight structures had to face demolition, as numerous orders had been served to the occupants to vacate. “However, two structures were left untouched since the occupants included children. Adults in those homes were allotted additional time to relocate to a legal residence. The CH&PA met with the squatters on Thursday, May 23, to seek answers as that period of extension has lapsed,” it was noted.
“The authority is addressing any house lot applications from the squatters with expediency. However, the Head of the Enforcement Unit reminded that squatting is illegal and urged the squatters to be in compliance with Guyana’s laws and to apply for house lots through CH&PA,” the release stated.
