Press Release – Land acquisition in progress to meet housing demand in Bartica
Residents of Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), have been assured of the Government’s plan for the development of new housing schemes and further infrastructure works in existing schemes.
Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal spoke of the Government’s development plans earlier today when he engaged with residents of several communities. Community meetings were held at Mora Camp, Four and Five Mile schemes, Agatash and Dagg Point.
Throughout these engagements there was a repeated call for the establishment of new housing schemes and improved access to potable water. Speaking to the issue of housing, Minister Croal said the Ministry is working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission for the acquisition of lands. This collaboration will see the further advancement of the Government and by extension the Ministry’s housing drive. In addition to the acquisition of lands, under the Ministry’s 2021 work programme land clearing will commence and other infrastructure works. These plans, the Minister said, will accelerate the overall housing drive not only for Bartica but other regions around the country.
Responding to complaints about housing services in the region, the Minister said plans are already in place to strengthen regional housing offices. As a short-term intervention to address the issues, the Minister committed to sending a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority to the region for a one-day exercise. Additionally, the Ministry will be working on strengthening customer service, which is aimed at reducing traffic flow at the Ministry’s head office. The Minister also addressed issues of squatting in several areas, including Mora Camp and a section of the Five Mile Housing scheme.
However, resolution to those matters would include negotiations with the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. The Minister committed to addressing the issue in collaboration with the respective agency heads. He however, reiterated the Government’s zero tolerance policy on squatting noting that there are certain systems and processes that need to be followed for the legal acquisition of land.
Meanwhile several other issues were raised, including drainage, the need for recreational parks and unserved areas for electricity. These issues will be directed for action to the various sector heads.