Squatters continue to ignore Govt’s orders to vacate Ogle flight zone

Despite calls by the Government to enforce removal notices against squatters occupying land within the Ogle flight zone on the East Coast of Demerara – warning that the area is a protected reserve critical to aviation safety – squatters continue to occupy the area.

The land lies between the airstrip and the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, where development is already restricted.

According to Housing Minister Collin Croal, aviation authorities have advised that no additional houses can be constructed within that corridor due to flight path safety requirements associated with operations at the Ogle Airstrip.

This newscast understands that approximately 20 houses have been built by squatters who have been occupying the area for more than a year. In fact, airport officials have reported that “No Squatting” signs were erected in the area, but the squatters tore the signs down.

One of the concerns being raised is that cargo operations at the airport are expanding, and a new runway is expected to be constructed.

The presence of the houses is reportedly obstructing those development plans.
The area in question is specifically located along a dam reserve near existing housing developments.

Minister Croal recently stated on the Guyana Dialogue podcast that the location is not suitable for alternative road routing or settlement, as the dam serves as an important access reserve and falls within a protected aviation zone.

Croal emphasised that the Government is not seeking to put anyone out on the streets but stressed that squatting remains illegal and will not be tolerated. He said authorities are actively monitoring for new encroachments and have mapped known squatting locations. Once new structures are detected or reported, enforcement teams have been authorised to move in and demolish them immediately.

According to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Advisory Circular, Section 7.4(b) states that a person who proposes to erect or construct an object, as defined in paragraph 7.1 of the advisory, within a radius of 10 nautical miles of a licensed aerodrome must first notify the aerodrome licensee in writing of that intention.

Where requested, the person must also provide such information to the Authority as may be required under paragraph 7.4(c), apart from any permission required to be obtained for the right to construct.

Section 7.4(c) further states that the GCAA may require information relating to an obstacle, including its geographic latitude and longitude, elevation, and height.

According to Croal, aviation authorities have advised that no additional houses can be constructed in that corridor due to flight path safety requirements associated with operations at the Ogle Airstrip.

“Those persons, we have told them they must move. We’ve engaged them and served contravention notices. These areas are important as a reserve, and access is critical. Secondly, it’s a flying zone. For example, it’s very close to our Cummings Lodge housing scheme, where we build houses. We can’t build on a portion of land between the Ogle Airstrip and Cummins Lodge because the Civil Aviation Authority has said we cannot construct any further as it would affect the flight path.”

While many may assume that all squatters are vulnerable and unable to make ends meet, the minister said this is not always the case. He highlighted that one person in the area earns a significant income, showing that not all occupants are in need.

“Today, one of the persons addressed from that area is earning an income of $600,000. So, the impression that they’re all completely vulnerable and without means is not accurate. We have engaged and are continuing to engage them. The relocation process has already begun, but if you do not approach it aggressively, those persons will continue to occupy, and you’ll see little movement,” he said.