Demolition looms as squatters in path of EBD highway refuse houses, compensation

(A section of the squatting area – Stabroek News photo)

Five squatters on the East Bank of Demerara are hindering the progression of the Eccles to Great Diamond Highway after they have refused to relocate to alternative houses provided by the government or adhere to notices issued.

The Ministry of Housing in a statement noted that to date, more than twenty families have relocated from Cane View/Herstelling where they were illegally squatting, to nearby residential areas and have rebuilt new homes through government compensation.

However, five individuals remain non-compliant. refusing to engage and continue to stall this development plan. These persons –Joyann Alexis Ellis, Mark Gordon, Junior Ellis, Abigail Ifill and Anneita Beaton –have refused free residential house lots, move-in ready single flat two-bedroom housing units in the Little Diamond Housing Scheme, and compensation for their existing illegal properties. They have also refused to comply with a two-weeks’ notice issued by the Government to remove from the land they’re occupying.

“Every effort by the Ministry has been met with harsh, baseless and irrational resistance,” the Housing Ministry noted.

The Ministry said while it is ready to work with all Guyanese in their best interest, it will no longer stand by and allow the nation’s development to be held hostage by illegal activities. As such, it has threatened to move ahead with demolition if its last offer is refused.

According to interviews published in the media, the families have asked for land space adequate to continue their farming activities as this is their livelihood for as much as 30 years since they’ve been occupying the lands.