– says only 13 residents complete housing applications so far

As the regularisation process continues at Block E, Section E, Plantation Non Pariel West, East Coast Demerara, (ECD) only 13 individuals have officially completed the required housing application process. This was according to Housing Minster, Collin Croal who led a team to the area on Friday where he updated residents on the ongoing regularisation process. During the engagement, Minister Croal explained that the regularisation process, which commenced in 2021, involved an assessment and inventory of structures in the area, followed by a detailed block survey and planning exercise. The process has since resulted in the creation of 94 lots, with consideration given to road access, drainage and the provision of essential utilities. However, he noted that some of the lots do not meet the standard lot size required for regularisation under the Ministry’s housing programme. As a result, the Ministry, he explained had engaged the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to facilitate the processing of ownership documents for affected residents, based on the size of the lots they occupy.

Further, he highlighted that, to date, only 13 persons have officially completed the required housing application process. On this note, he urged residents who have not yet applied to do so, noting that completion of the application is necessary for consideration under the regularisation exercise. The Ministry’s survey team is currently preparing a conversion plan, which is targeted for completion and submission to the GLSC by the first week of September. Following the necessary legal processes, including publication, the Ministry aims to return to Plantation Non Pariel West by the end of October to begin processing ownership agreements for eligible residents. Croal also urged residents to cooperate with the technical teams where adjustments may be required to facilitate road alignments and other infrastructure works adding the that the process is being undertaken for the benefit of the entire community. Residents who have not yet completed their housing applications will also be engaged by the Community Development team from Wednesday. The team will conduct verification exercises and assist residents in completing the necessary forms.