Squatting along sea defenses, river banks will not be legitimized – Croal

One of the major challenges currently faced by the housing sector is addressing the issue of squatting. While some areas are being regularized, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said that squatting along sea defenses and river banks will not be tolerated or legitimized.

“There is sea defense, and as much as some individuals may think they can continue to occupy these areas, we cannot have people living along our river banks, sea defenses, and reserves.

“Reserves are important because they are crucial for cleaning, drainage, and irrigation. These are zero-zone areas where occupation or legitimacy cannot be granted in any form,” Croal told the News Room during a recent interview.

Upon assuming office in 2020, Croal said the government began monitoring the long-standing issue of squatting. They have also been addressing the occupation of unregulated areas.

While some areas where people had been squatting for years have been regularized, there have been instances where individuals were relocated. Since then, the government has continued to warn that no new squatting will be recognized. Despite this, squatting along sea defenses and river banks continues.

Currently, Croal said, the ministry is working on two projects: the relocation of individuals from the Demerara River Bank and the Zorg seawall area. At the Demerara River Bank, he mentioned that at least 100 people have already been relocated to areas along the East Bank of Demerara, with additional relocations being addressed. Another area that needs to be addressed is Plastic City.

To tackle this, Croal said the enforcement teams have been strengthened across the regions. “Monitoring is a challenge. We are doing so much, and in doing that, we want to encourage people to follow proper procedures. Do things the right way, and you will be addressed. At the end of the day, we want everyone to have a comfortable environment.”

The Community Development Department has a list of areas to be regularized that they are working to clear, Croal added.