Latest update March 21st, 2025 7:03 AM
Latest News
Inter-Agency approach being formed to have squatters relocated
While squatting has seemingly increased over the years, there has been word from representatives of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that an initiative will be launched to have squatters relocated.
When contacted yesterday, the Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green said that an Inter-Agency approach will entail a collective effort from the government, the municipality and the communities, where these bodies will meet to formulate plans in relocating squatters.
He described this undertaking as being complex in nature since squatters reside on privately-owned lands, spanning areas under the M&CC’s jurisdiction.
As it relates to the maintenance of canals, he said that the squatters should also play a role in ensuring that the canals and dams are cleaned since “there is just so much that the Government and Council can do.”
Public Relations Officer attached to the M&CC, Debra Lewis said yesterday that squatting continues to be a major setback for the Council in their efforts to carry out their duties.
The western trench that was cleaned earlier this year which was accessible by authorities.
A resident standing near the eastern trench that is inaccessible by the authorities.
Since the squatters’ homes are located on the reserve, she stated it is difficult to mobilise M&CC’s machinery to clean dams and canals and due to this, other surrounding areas have to “suffer” because the unkempt canals and drains will ultimately lead to flooding in periods of heavy rain, an issue which continues to plague low-lying areas.
Lewis also commented that the M&CC does not endorse squatting, since it creates gateways for issues detrimental to public health and safety and to clarify this claim, she made reference to the squatters residing in the vicinity of Laing Avenue, Georgetown.
“The squatters on Laing Avenue prevent us (M&CC) from cleaning the canal. We have already cleaned the interlocking drains but to get to the canals, is difficult, the Council tried… These squatters will have to be moved, because …residents would deposit refuse into the canals, then there is the issue of the pit latrines …Now since the canals can’t be cleaned, residents of West and East Ruimveldt have to suffer flooding when the rain falls” Lewis said.
Last week, residents of North Ruimveldt Squatting Area complained about the authorities not cleaning the eastern canal which has become home to a family of reptiles that would from time to time, feast upon domesticated animals.
The western canal however, was cleaned weeks after the General Elections in May last.
Asked how the M&CC achieved this since the dams were occupied with houses, fences and other blockades, it was revealed that some squatters had to “break down,” but only to rebuild after the machines had left.
Since this area is home to almost 100 families, when faced with the question of if they would move willingly, most replies were in the M&CC’s favour.
Seventy-five-year-old Joycyln Rowland, the oldest resident in the area, and there for the past 25 years, said that she is willing to move if the government relocates her somewhere that is close by.
Expressing these sentiments also was a 20-year-resident called Bess (only name given).
“Well if they have plans to move us, we will move but we want somewhere close to here, close to Georgetown…We already make our lives here…” Bess said.
But another resident said that he is not willing to move because he was “born and raise there,” so were his parents and any plans to relocate him and his family would result in the government having to “come real good”.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
“One Guyana” is no less a national slogan than “Green Guyana”
Kaieteur News- The notion that “One Guyana” is a partisan slogan is pure poppycock. It is a desperate fiction... more
If Guyana’s President Ali is the “Zelensky of the Caribbean”, who is the Putin?
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- In the latest... more
Weekend Cartoon
