The president made this announcement when he met with several hundreds of them to propose measures his government will take to resolve the issue which was plaguing residents for some time now.

The President pledged an advance of $20 million for infrastructure development in the area, work on which is expected to begin shortly after the Community Development Committee (CDC) meets with Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Shaik Baksh to work out a detailed plan.

The money is to be spent on roads, bridges and drainage works. A potable water supply project is already on stream for the area and would be done through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), Mr. Baksh said.

Previously, the residents were required to pay to the Ministry of Housing and Water in excess of $100,000 for a house lot, even though there is no infrastructure in the area.

That led to a three-day demonstration exercise outside the Housing Ministry and the Office of the President by the residents, in an effort to engage the attention of the authorities.

However, when he met with the squatters yesterday, President Jagdeo explained that the land belongs to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) and Government is only acting as an agent of the corporation with regards to the payment for the land.

Mr. Jagdeo explained that the land which is being occupied at South Cummings Lodge still belongs to GUYSUCO and has not yet been transferred to the government.

He said that yesterday morning the government had consultations with the corporation’s Chairman, Mr. Vic Oudit and has agreed on a course of action.

At the time when the squatters had occupied the land the price for a house lot was $58,000. That figure remains once the occupant earns $30,000 and below, monthly. However those earning above $30,000 monthly will now pay $90,000 for their lots.

This policy by the government remains the same until now, the President explained. The size for the house lot that is sold for $58,000 is 3,200 square feet.

However, the President has offered the squatters at South Cummings Lodge who are occupying up to 4,000 square feet of land to pay $58,000 for their lot. Those occupying between 4000 and 5000 square feet will have to pay $67,000. Those occupying between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet will pay $76,000 per lot.

Those who are occupying house lots that are measured between 6,000 and 7,000 square feet, he said, will have to pay $85,000 while those occupying from 7,000 to 7,200 square feet will pay $94,000.

He said if the land is sold in that manner and people pay up within one year the government would be able to raise $60 million out of which $40 million will be paid to GUYSUCO.

These announcements by Mr. Jagdeo were greeted by loud applause from the residents who attended the meeting.

“I want you to know that we are not a rich country…we are extremely poor, but I would always commit my government because I come from a party that believes in fairness and that’s why the adjustment today is going to be based on that principle,” President Jagdeo told residents.

The President also proposed that the people work in cooperation with government to submit applications to the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) for community projects as well.

Mr. Jagdeo said that his meeting with the people of Cummings Lodge is not because they protested but because his government cares for the people. “We can’t do every thing at the same time, whether it is in Linden, Canal No. 2 or at Cummings Lodge, we have concerns for all our people”, he said, adding that all the problems cannot be addressed by government alone.

Housing Minister, Mr. Shaik Baksh who made brief remarks at the meeting said his ministry will initiate discussions with the CDC during next week to agree on how the $20 million will be spent.

He hopes that within a week of the discussions, agreement could be reached for work to begin subsequently.

Baksh also said that during next week the dates for payment of the house lots will be announced.