Dawn of new horizon for Kwakwani residents

For years, residents of the Waterfront, Lamp Island, and Jeep Landing communities in Kwakwani, Region 10, have suffered tremendously due to extreme flooding.

In 2021, these communities experienced one of the most devastating floods, which saw entire homes inundated and livelihoods severely affected.

While some residents have refused to relocate, others view the government’s recent plans for a new housing development initiative as the dawn of a new horizon.

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, has announced plans to ramp up efforts to expand homeownership within the region. He noted that the first phase of this development will cover 100 acres of land, designed to establish a new housing scheme in the community while also facilitating the relocation of waterfront residents.

He further stated that the ministry will be in Kwakwani on March 28 to allocate lots to residents who have been waiting.

This relocation effort is expected to benefit approximately 370 residents from the Waterfront, Lamp Island, and Jeep Landing areas.

Lamp Island and Waterfront resident Burry Rogers told Ignite News that her family has already received correspondence to facilitate the relocation process.

The 52-year-old woman, who has lived in the community most of her life, said her family moved to a temporary location further up the waterfront area following the 2021 floods.

She acknowledged her love for the community but admitted that the frequent flooding has become unbearable.

“That part that we were living at was a hilltop and was the last place to flood. We moved from there and didn’t go back. So we came and built this side here. We built a little shop, and we live right here. We put a room on it, and we are living right here. It’s the water that made us move. After the big flood came, we moved, but we’re still near the river, just a little higher up. I love the river corner, but if we have to move and they find a place for us, I don’t mind,” Rogers said.

She also noted that some residents are still living in the affected area.

This publication also spoke with Rogers’ daughter-in-law, Ambra Rogers, who lives in another section of Lamp Island. She expressed mixed emotions about the move.

“I feel good, but it’s just that I had recently built a house, just before the big flood,” she said.

“But with this relocation, I’m happy about it. I just don’t know if they’re building houses for us or just giving us land. As long as I get a piece of land, I’m okay. It’s really expensive to build a house right now, and I see the rainy season coming in too,” Rogers added.

The 32-year-old, who also grew up in the community, recalled how her home was severely affected by the 2021 floods. She currently lives with her husband, grandmother, and three children.

“Over the years, the floodwaters never reached as high as they did in 2021. That was when everybody had to go into shelters. We lost a lot of things in the flood, and we had to move in with relatives for shelter. It was really challenging,” she said.

Residents affected by the 2021 floods had approached President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, requesting relocation.

The government subsequently committed to finding a suitable area for them.

Minister Croal acknowledged that the relocation was initially scheduled to be addressed in January. He urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that the government is actively working toward a resolution.