Thirty households currently residing along Block ‘X’ Plantation Herstelling (Cane View) will be relocated to housing schemes in Farm and Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara as plans advance for the construction of the prosed four-lane highway from Eccles to Great Diamond.
Those areas were pinpointed after due consultation with the residents, Housing Minister Collin Croal and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves.
Minister Croal, the CEO along with representatives from the Mocha and Herstelling Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) engaged with the settlers on Thursday last.
Minister Croal on Monday explained to the News Room that the land is the government’s reserve and that area was always pinpointed for future development.
“Whenever we do design and layout of housing areas, we always keep reserves for such expansion activities and this was always part of that mechanism,” he said on Monday during an interview.
Now, with areas in Farm and Herstelling identified, the minister explained further that the relocation process would entail an evaluation of the existing structures on the reserve so that persons can be compensated.
He said too that the government will be taking care of the cost for the lands. And to make the process even more convenient, the Housing Minister said that the residents will also have access to their Certificates of Title and Transports.
“We will work with them very closely and we will partner with them to help them relocate and ensure the resuscitation of their livelihoods.”
Minister Croal noted that persons expressed concerns about the promises not being kept in the past and assured that the ministry is committed to providing ample housing in a safe and developed area.
Once relocated, the settlers will have access to health care, educational and recreational facilities, as well as access to basic utilities such as electricity and water; those amenities are lacking in the area they are currently situated.
Meanwhile, the Eccles to Great Diamond Highway will be linked to the new Eccles, East Bank Demerara to Mandela, Georgetown Highway.
This is in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s vision to reduce traffic congestion along the East Bank Demerara corridor, while also transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape and linking communities.
This seems like a good approach and a reasonable solution. Moving forward squatting has to be treated instantly and as soon as persons start building on parapets.