The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Monday compensated 25 farmers of Cummings Lodge, after their lands were destroyed during the clearing of lands for housing development
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues said the payout of the compensation packages is part of the governments’ efforts to show that a resolution could be found after conflict developed.
According to the Housing Ministry, informal land users (farmers) were hindering development works in Cummings Lodge (Parcel 1767), where the Ministry is constructing 140 middle-income homes. The farmers were engaged through the Community Development Department and the Enforcement and Investigation Unit to reach an amicable solution. Written claims were then provided by each farmer and assessments were conducted by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). Subsequently, the sum of $25 million was allotted for the farmers as compensation as the government moves forward with the project.
The ministry said that the individual compensation for each farmer ranges from $100,000 to $5.6 million, based on claims and the NAREI assessment. Crops planted by the farmers included vegetable crops, orchard crops (coconut, citrus, soursop), and suckers (plantain and banana), a release said. The compensation was handed over in the form of cheques to each farmer.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal pointed out that while the ministry is heavily focused on its housing delivery, it also recognises its responsibility to ensure that the livelihoods of citizens are not disrupted through its housing projects. He underscored that it is important that as a government and as a ministry, they must work with everyone. He also disclosed that the government has several other projects which will benefit the residents in the area.
Meanwhile Rodrigues noted that it was necessary for an amicable solution to be reached. Both ministers also stated that the project will provide employment for persons in the area. She said that the community will open up like the other housing schemes and they don’t want it to be left out or have dissatisfied residents.
