Gov’t takes aim at growing squatting issue on Linden/ Soesdyke Highway

President Dr. Irfaan Ali says that squatting in areas along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway is a growing issue that the government hopes to speedily address.

The President, during a community engagement activity at Yarrowkabra along the highway, said that the government hopes to identify a few areas where planned settlements can be developed.

It is envisioned that the squatters scattered along the highway will move into those settlements. The Head of State promised that those settlements will get much-needed infrastructural works.

“There is a lot of squatting… we cannot deal with development in a haphazard way,” President Ali said.

He later added that three formal settlements will be established. The Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal has been tasked with advancing this project.

Meanwhile, the President highlighted that the government has thousands of applications for land on the highway. He, however, said that the government has to address the issue of squatting.

Focus has to also be placed on reconciling the acres of land leased but unused, the President said.