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The Civil Defence Commission on Sunday prepared the Graham’s Hall Primary School as a shelter for squatters occupying lands belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) at Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Squatters, who established make-shift houses months ago at the location, were asked to remove by authorities despite them saying that they don’t alternatives. Many of the squatters, some of whom have small children, were displaced because they were unable to find work as a result of challenges associated with COVID-19. The squatters said that given their situation, the only option they had was to squat.
The Success lands were flooded by the Sugar Corporation, leaving many of the temporary dwelling structures inundated and while some squatters have moved, others have not, noting that they have nowhere else to go.
The Corporation justified the flooding by stating that the lands must be rid of pests and vegetation since it is to restart operations at the Enmore Sugar Factory in 2022.
Meanwhile, the CDC in a statement said that Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips met with the Success squatters on Saturday and offered to provide shelter.
“The CDC notes that the humanitarian crisis of displaced residents requires immediate action to stem migratory and health issues, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said.
Further, the CDC’s Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said those affected by the floods at Success can contact the National Emergency Management System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 623-1700 and 600-7500 and make their way to the Graham’s Hall Primary School, Cummings Lodge ECD, where they will be housed.
