Squatters at Charity in Region Two will soon be in receipt of their land titles, according to a release from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
Yesterday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodri-gues led a team from the CHPA on an outreach with the informal settlers and other residents at the Gaulin Supermarket parking lot.
The meeting was a follow-up to an engagement with President Irfaan Ali and residents the previous day.
During the Ministers’ outreach yesterday, the CHPA said that approximately 50 informal settlers were able to register for their Agreement of Sale and Certificate of Title.
“This is a matter that has been outstanding for a while… [and] within a few days those persons are expected to receive their Title,” Croal stated, according to the release.
Regularisation of the area began in 2011 under President Ali who was the Minister of Housing and Water at the time. The release said that a total of 226 lots were created. However, the processing of titles was put on hold to verify ownership of the area. Field verifications were conducted by CHPA staff in March 2021 and 123 lots were verified. The release said that fifteen persons were found to be occupying road and drainage reserves. However, fifteen lots within the area have since been identified for their relocation.
Rodrigues during a brief site visit, highlighted that infrastructure works are also expected to commence soon. In keeping with the President’s commitment, the Minister said that two concrete roads and drains will be constructed; one at the front of the settlement and one towards the back.
A number of the residents stated that the ownership documents and the roads will significantly impact their community.
“I believe it will be a great improvement, especially for the school children,” shared Washington Chase, who has been an informal settler for some ten years.
For informal settler and father of six, Ralph Garraway, the work of the Ministry provides a sense of pride and comfort for those residing in the area.
Another meeting will be held with residents to facilitate the processing of additional Agreements of Sale and Certificates of Title.
The residents complained bitterly during Ali’s visit on Tuesday. Squatters told him that they were living for over 10 years on their lands and do not have a legal documents. One squatter related that he had been living on the plot of land for over 40 years. The squatters explained that because of the lack of titles they cannot access loans at the commercial banks because they don’t have much collateral.
The squatters also asked for a road to be constructed in the area. President Ali responded by telling residents that for the road to be constructed the residents have to co-operate.
Looking at the area, President Ali said that a walkway will have to be expanded and said some of the squatters will have to be relocated.
A resident, Neeraj Budhram, said he has been living in the Charity Squatting area for 15 years and does not have any documents. He said that he would like to have a legal document so he can build his premises.
The residents noted that the area needs infrastructure and this can only happen if the area is regularized.
