Housing Ministry Moves to Remove Squatters from Ogle Airport Flight Path — Safety Risks Cited
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has intensified efforts to remove squatters occupying lands within the flight path of the Eugene F. Correia/Ogle International Airport, citing serious safety hazards to both aviation operations and residents.
In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, confirmed that the Ministry has begun aggressive enforcement action against illegal occupants at Cummings Park, an area located directly beneath the airport’s flight path.
“They know that they are squatting on a portion of the land… this is reserve, and more so, it’s directly very close to where the Ogle Airport is — obviously, they know it’s something wrong that they are doing,” Minister Croal stated.
According to the Minister, approximately 80 illegal structures currently occupy the reserve. Despite previous resistance, he noted that several squatters have begun cooperating following recent notices from the Ministry.
“Even today, some came in to engage as a result of the notice we provided for them. Close to 30 came in today to engage the Ministry, and this will be an ongoing process,” Croal said.
The Ministry has started relocating compliant residents to alternative lands, assisting those willing to move and facilitating the transfer process.
“When people are compliant, we try to help them. Even later on, when they want help to move, we will help them to move,” he added.
During a recent visit to the area, Minister Croal and a technical team reaffirmed that Cummings Park falls within a strict zero-tolerance squatting zone due to its proximity to the airport. The illegal occupation, he said, poses significant risks to both flight safety and the well-being of occupants.
Formal removal notices have been served, and the Ministry has warned that those who fail to vacate voluntarily will face immediate enforcement action once all legal procedures are satisfied.
The operation forms part of the government’s broader initiative to regularize housing settlements while ensuring public safety and lawful land use across Guyana.
