The Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW), through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has issued a stern warning regarding the illegal sale and allocation of land within the informal settlement of Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara. Reports indicate that operatives from the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and opposition figures are involved in these unauthorised transactions.
The Ministry has made it clear that these actions are illegal and will not be recognised. In an official statement, the MoHW and CH&PA called on those involved in the unlawful sale of land to cease their activities immediately.
Additionally, prospective buyers were warned that any transactions involving these plots of land will be declared null and void.The CH&PA has been actively working to regularise the Mocha/Arcadia settlement. A comprehensive inventory conducted in November 2022 identified over 300 occupied and unoccupied structures.
In 2023, residents held discussions with the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, who was the Minister of Public Service at the time.The land in question falls under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and the CH&PA has been engaging with NICIL to facilitate the transfer of the land. The preparation of a block plan for three parcels of land is currently underway, a key step in the process that will enable residents to obtain legal ownership.
The Ministry reiterated that any sale of land by local government bodies, individuals, or entities other than the MoHW/CH&PA or NICIL is illegal and will not be acknowledged.
The public has since been urged to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities related to the sale of land in the area. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the lawful and proper distribution of land in accordance with national regulations.
