The first batch of informal settlers from Arcadia (Mocha), East Bank Demerara—occupying a road reserve in the recently regularised Fields 1–3, as well as persons squatting on lands at Fields 4–6—have received official house lot allocations, enabling them to transition from illegal squatting to improved living conditions.
Minister of Housing, Collin D Croal, along with Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Mr. Gladwin Charles, were present on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to share in the milestone moment with the newly allocated beneficiaries and to assist with the house lot selection process.
The section of Fields 1–3 from which some of the informal settlers are being relocated was recently regularised by the Ministry following the acquisition of the land from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Construction is now underway for a new access road, as Government is ensuring that residents in the regularised section of Mocha have proper infrastructure and access to essential utilities.
About 21 persons occupying the area designated for the road are being relocated to vacant house lots within Fields 1–3. At the same time, 50 informal settlers from Fields 4–6—which is not identified for regularisation—will also be moved to available lots in Fields 1–3.
The Housing Ministry invited the first seventeen beneficiaries to begin the house lot allocation process. Minister Croal expressed appreciation to the allottees for their cooperation throughout the relocation process, despite attempts by political figures to dissuade them from cooperating.
“This government is interested in ensuring that all citizens have access to proper housing, have a comfortable space, a comfortable environment where they can live, and to also ensure that the next generation and their children can have a secured environment,” the Minister stated.
Several beneficiaries from the first batch shared their sentiments following the allocation exercise, highlighting that the relocation will significantly improve their lives.
“I can’t really explain how this is great for me,” said Mr. Leron Griffith ecstatically. He continued, “I’m very thankful for what the government has done.”
Shemele Moore, who has also resided in the community for about five years, said the process has been seamless and welcomed the improved living standards made possible through government intervention.
“I’m grateful that I can actually own a piece of house lot for myself and my children and I want to say thanks to the government,” shared Ms. Moore.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Kendes Dias, stated that he is a lifelong resident of the Mocha area but he lived in the informal settlement for about seven years. He described the Ministry’s relocation process as smooth and expressed his happiness to have better living standards.
Source: Central Housing ans Planning Authority
