Sale of lands in Mocha/Arcadia by NDC, opposition agents illegal – Housing Ministry warns

The Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW), through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has issued a stern warning against the illegal sale and allocation of plots in the Mocha/Arcadia informal settlement, located on the East Bank of Demerara.

Recent reports suggest that individuals, including members of the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and opposition groups, are selling or allocating land within the settlement without proper authorization.

The Ministry has clarified that any land transactions conducted by unauthorized persons or entities are illegal and will not be recognized.

It further warned that individuals involved in such activities must immediately cease their actions, and those seeking to purchase the land through these unauthorized channels should be aware that any agreements made will be considered null and void.

Efforts to regularize the informal settlement in Mocha/Arcadia have been ongoing, with CH&PA conducting a detailed inventory of the area in November 2022.

The inventory identified over 300 structures, both occupied and unoccupied. In 2023, residents met with key government officials, including Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Sonia Parag, to discuss the issue.

The land in question is under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

CH&PA has been working closely with NICIL to facilitate the transfer of the land to the Ministry, and the block plan for three parcels is currently being prepared as part of the transfer process.

This transfer is a critical step in the regularization of the settlement, which will allow residents to secure legal ownership of the land.

The Ministry reiterated that any sale or transfer of land by local government bodies or other unauthorized parties is unlawful and will not be honored.

The Ministry of Housing and Water called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or illegal activities concerning the sale of these lands. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that land distribution is carried out lawfully and in accordance with national regulations.