By Shuntel Glasgow
Another year has arrived and residents who live in dire conditions in Plastic City on the foreshore of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Demerara continue to hope for an escape from their squatters’ existence.
The area where people live surrounded by water and garbage accommodates approximately 100 families. Compared to last year, the area has become even more populated with other families moving in.
A man who sells fruits and vegetables to make ends meet explained how he endured the unhealthy and untidy area for over a decade since there are not many alternatives available to his family. ‘Fruits man’, the only name given, is the father of two children. He explained that despite the circumstances he faces, he is hoping that one day he would be able to own his own home and be comfortable. `Fruits man’ added that despite the fact that some persons migrated from the area over the last year, that didn’t stop newcomers from squatting in the same area. He is currently living in a wooden makeshift house, and hopes to enhance it, but his dreams have been thwarted by the fear of having to leave it behind one day because it is an illegal structure.
