Zero tolerance for housing scams – Croal

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, has reiterated that corruption within the housing sector will not be tolerated, as the Ministry intensifies efforts with law enforcement to root out fraud and hold offenders accountable.

Speaking recently on the Starting Point programme, Croal revealed that the Housing Ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) are working hand-in-hand with the Guyana Police Force to investigate a growing number of corruption-related complaints.

“We do have complaints sometimes and they are investigated so we can move forward,” Croal said, noting that several cases have already reached the courts. “In recent times, we have been successful in cooperating in terms of investigations to have persons prosecuted.”

“We want to eliminate any attempts by anybody trying to defraud in any shape or form,” Croal stressed.

However, Croal admitted that investigations are sometimes stalled because victims fail to provide formal statements. “Yes, somebody files a complaint…but then we need the statement, and they don’t want to go onwards,” he explained.

Despite this, he assured that the Ministry remains vigilant.

“Once any attempt is found, we move it to the next stage. We are mindful of corruption, and we are taking all complaints seriously,” Croal affirmed.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving housing allocations.