Financial compensation handed over to Amelia’s Ward squatters

Months ago, in May 2022, several structures that were inhabited by some twenty families squatting in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) were demolished.

On Thursday, the Housing Ministry compensated those families as promised and requested.

A social media post from the Ministry of Housing and Water noted that the twenty families signed their agreements and uplifted their cheques at the Watooka Guesthouse.

At that distribution exercise, Housing Minister Collin Croal thanked the persons for their patience exhibited throughout the process.

The statement noted that the minister reminded them that the ministry will continue to work to fulfil the housing demand in Region 10. As such, he reasoned that squatting should not be an alternative for citizens.

In July, the squatters met with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and requested compensation from the government.

According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Prime Minister promised those squatters that the government would provide compensation soon even though the government maintains that squatting is illegal.

These squatters were occupying lands earmarked for crucial infrastructural developments, including a new Access Road, in Phase Four Amelia’s Ward.

Some $364 million were allocated for infrastructure works in Amelia’s Ward. The new road will serve as the main access to approximately 500 residential house lots.

During the demolition exercise, some 20 structures, including foundations and columns, fences, and two habitable structures had to be taken down since they fell in the path of an access road that will be built.

The News Room previously reported that fourteen squatters were allocated house lots. The ministry’s social media post also noted that two squatters are in the process of getting housing units.