Squatting a legacy of decades of neglect by the PNC

MINISTER OF Housing and Water Mr. Irfaan Ali says decades of neglect in the area of housing under the previous People’s National Congress (PNC) administration has brought about the squatting scourge that the current People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration is trying to rectify.
His bold declaration came during another ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise yesterday at the Chateau Margot Primary School, where scores of residents of the Railway Embankment, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) squatter settlements - from Cummings Lodge to Chateau Margot, were awarded land titles.
In his address during the exercise, Minister Ali welcomed the multitude of residents to the historic event, and pointed out that prior to 1992, squatting was practically forced on citizens.
In this regard, he revealed that the present PPP/C Administration is adopting a different approach, aimed at regularization so as to afford citizens the opportunity of having legal claim to their property.
“Squatting has a history in this country that we are not proud of, as there was no structured housing programme, or no Ministry of Housing,” the minister said, adding: “So what else was left for persons who wanted to take care of their families [to do],” implying that they had no other alternative but to squat.
Continuing, the Minister urged residents to reflect on what the situation would have been like today had the PPP not embarked on issuing more than 90,000 house lots, a move that positively impacted the lives of thousands of Guyanese over the last 18 years.
He emphasized that the approach to resolving the issue must be a humane one, taking into account the historical trend and severe circumstances that persons endured prior to the establishment of the Housing Programme.
“Persons who only address all the shortcomings in the Housing Sector must also provide an answer for the years when nothing was done, as none of you would have been here if there was a legal way to acquire your land,” Minister Ali stressed.
In addition, he encouraged residents to try to understand the importance of the exercise, and to reflect on the impact it will have on their lives and that of their families.


Challenges of Development


Alluding to the increased development in the areas in question, these being Chateau Margot and contiguous neighbourhoods, Minister Ali pointed out that the road to improvement has not always been an easy one, as there have been numerous challenges and disputes that threatened continued progress.
Despite the challenges, however, he said that regularization has been completed in the 25 areas along the railway embankment, out of which 16 have been surveyed, while the Ministry is seeking to resolve the existing problems in others.
“We have spent in excess of $15M in surveying expenses,” he said, adding, “That is what we have invested on your behalf.”
He highlighted the fact that after a national survey was done, it was discovered that there were 218 squatter settlements in the country. Of that number, he said, almost 186 have been regularized to date.
Of the total amount, he said, 32 fall within the ‘zero tolerance zone’, meaning along main drainage reserves, public highways and along the sea defense areas, as a result of which they could not be regularized.
Said he: “There are certain areas we could not regularize. With those areas, we encouraged persons to apply for their house-lots as we work out a relocation plan.”
In light of this development, he emphasized that progress has been made in terms of transforming the landscape and ensuring that persons are equipped with titles and legal access to their lands.
The minister said his ministry has already spent $250M on roads and drainage equipment in squatter settlements so as to transform the lives of the residents there and to improve infrastructure.
In encouraging the beneficiaries of titles to focus on the positive outcomes of the exercise, Minister Ali said: “This is the result of working together, and with the PPP/C, you will always have a partner in development.”
“With a strong vision and a strong President who is unwavering,” he added, “we continue to ensure that all have equal access to the opportunities provided.”
Following the Minister’s remarks, the eager residents were given an overview of land-use and building permission process for construction, or, in most cases, for the extension of existing structures to facilitate businesses.
Director of Squatter Settlements and Regularization Department, Mr. Gladwin Charles referred to the event as an historic one which will afford residents an improved standard of living.
Said he: “I hope that we can work together to improve the areas, and to transform them from squatter settlements to regular schemes.”


Reaction


One of the first recipients of titles yesterday, Mr. Mahadeo Rampadrat, who has been a resident of Plantation Ogle for the past 22 years, expressed gratitude to the minister for making the event possible.
Visibly shaken, Rampadrat said: “I am overwhelmed that I got this today. God bless the minister, and I want to thank him for what he is doing, not only for me, but many more people today.”
Suppressing tears, Rampadrat related that his entire family stands to benefit from the event, which will not only improve their lives but the lives of generations to come.