After living on the government’s reserve for some 15 years, 48 households from Cameron Dam, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, will soon see an improvement in their living standards.
This will be made possible through a relocation programme by the Ministry of Housing and Water through the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CHPA).
The families will now have proper access to electricity, portable water and basic infrastructure.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand met with the families on Thursday afternoon; the Regional Chairman, Ishan Ayube; Regional Vice-chairman, Omesh Satyanand, and a team from CHPA and other officials were also present.
According to Minister Croal, the Housing Ministry will be taking a humanitarian approach to the situation to see that the families are integrated into a developed housing scheme and benefit from basic amenities.
“In the area we have planned for the relocation, you will finally be able to have legal connections to electricity and water. You can also enjoy access to better roads and necessary infrastructure,” Minister Croal said.
He added that the residents will also be able to receive their Land Titles.
The area at Cameron Dam had been set aside for other development long before the families began their occupation, hence the need for their removal.
Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand reassured residents that an Education Officer will be dispatched to the area to help parents who wish to transfer their children to a school closer to their new homes.
This, she said, will be done systematically to minimize disruption in the lives of the students.
In the coming weeks, a team from CHPA will be returning to the area to conduct surveys and complete the verification process.
(Modified press release from Housing Ministry)
