Waterfront Residents Set for Relocation Soon
The government is intensifying its initiatives to boost homeownership in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), with plans underway for a new housing development in Kwakwani. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, made this announcement during a recent housing outreach event at Watooka Guest House in Linden.
On March 28, Minister Croal revealed that allocations will be made to individuals who have been on the waiting list. The initial phase of this development encompasses 100 acres of land aimed at creating a new housing scheme for the community, while also addressing the need to relocate waterfront residents affected by ongoing flooding in the area.
In November, Minister Croal highlighted that the relocation effort would benefit approximately 370 individuals from Jeep Landing, Lamp Island, and the surrounding waterfront zones. Following the severe flooding in 2021, impacted residents sought assistance from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, leading to the government’s commitment to identifying a suitable relocation area.
Acknowledging that the relocation was initially planned for January, Minister Croal urged residents to remain patient, assuring them of the government’s dedication to resolving the situation. “I want to ask those persons for some patience, because we have good things coming their way,†he stated.
Additionally, efforts are underway to tackle the region’s backlog of around 10,000 housing applications by mid-2025. Minister Croal mentioned ongoing discussions with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to secure more land in Wismar for further house lot allocations. So far, 600 lots have been designated in the new Wismar housing development, with contracts expected to be awarded soon for the initiation of phase one of infrastructural works, ensuring that allottees can access their lands without unnecessary delays.
“Things are moving quite rapidly. This isn’t a situation where you have to wait many years,†he noted.
Furthermore, several regularization exercises will be conducted in the region to provide legal ownership to individuals who have occupied lands for many years, thereby creating a more stable living environment for families. Minister Croal indicated that individuals who have been allocated lands at Amelia’s Ward can visit the regional housing office to either sign their sale agreements or collect their title certificates.
“I aim to bring closure to Amelia’s Ward in all aspects of ownership in the coming months and to address the rights of individuals who have been occupying lands without legitimate claims. There are many positive developments in store for Region 10 regarding homeownership,†Minister Croal affirmed. (DPI)
