Residents of Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, will continue to benefit from essential services as the government accelerates its transformative development agenda, working to close existing gaps.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, engaged with community this evening, providing updates on key initiatives. Accompanied by the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s Director of Community Development, Mr. Gladwin Charles, representatives from the community, and officials from Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), the Minister noted the government’s commitment to equitable development.

With ongoing work at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Water Treatment Plant, Minister Croal assured residents that their longstanding water challenges will soon be resolved.

“By the end of April, all of you will be receiving treated water through the LBI Water Treatment Plant,” Minister Croal announced.

Beyond water access, Pigeon Island has benefited from infrastructure upgrades and the regularisation of a section of the community, allowing residents to achieve legal homeownership through the Ministry’s intervention.

Minister Croal also highlighted the government’s broader housing agenda for the East Coast of Demerara. Since 2020, over 17,000 house lots have been allocated—part of a national total of approximately 42,000 lots distributed to date. Additionally, the government has invested $43 billion in developing housing schemes across the East Coast, transforming previously undeveloped lands into thriving residential communities.

“Our goal is to address all gaps, so that development is not just happening in one community,” the Minister stated.

Minister Croal assured residents that the East Coast’s housing and infrastructure development will match, if not surpass, those on the East Bank. Key projects, such as the Ogle Bypass Road and improved road networks, will enhance connectivity, boost economic activity, and create job opportunities.

Addressing concerns about informal settlements, the Minister reiterated government’s policy, stating that no new squatting will be recognized. The Ministry is actively monitoring several areas for regularisation, while in some cases, relocation will be necessary.

As part of the engaging session, residents also raised concerns about their community, which was addressed by Minister Croal and team.