A number of residents of Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara who will be forced out of their homes to make way for the construction of the new Demerara Bridge, want the Government to provide them with a “fair” deal for their properties.

While bemoaning the lack of consultation on the acquisition of their properties, some of the residents have accused the Government of ignoring their requests to be properly engaged on the matter.

Works Minister Juan Edghill turned up a section of the community early this morning to dispatch letters about the Government’s acquisition of properties for the construction of the bridge. He was given a mouthful by two residents who said they feel as if they are being bullied out of their own homes as the Government was not being fair with them.

One woman made it clear that she is not against development, but said the Government cannot show up and decide on a sum of money they are to be paid for their properties without any negotiation and giving them three months to pack up and move. She said it can’t work, and made her objections known to the Minister of Works.

News Source visited the area this afternoon and spoke to four of the affected residents, who all complained about the lack of consultation.

Peter’s Hall resident, Ashton Thomas, said he and a brother have been residing at the family home for more than five decades. He said while they may be willing to move, there is a need for more conversations on the issue and an acceptable package to be presented to them.

“So far we are just hearing about giving a place for the people and some compensation, but we can’t jump the gun, we need to know whats up”, he said.

His neighbour, Flora Boston, said she has been living in the area for over forty years and operates a small business from her home. She said the first time she has seen any Government official visiting the community on the issue, was this morning when the Works Minister turned up to present them with letters and asking them to add their signatures to a document. She said she refused to sign for anything. Ms. Boston said she has heard of some persons being offered large sums of money, although their homes are abandoned, while others are being offered far less. She said a fair and acceptable offer ought to be made.

“They got to find place to put we, cause is they want we place. Is nah we selling, is they want we place”, she said.

Another resident of the community, Fannet Belgrave, said she has also been living in the community for a number of decades. She said while her home may not be one of those currently in the path of the bridge works, she still wants to see her neighbours offered a better deal. She said it must be made clear that residents are not squatters. She said they own their properties and have been living there for decades.

“It is not fair what they are doing and it is not fair to people, Nobody don’t mind moving, but treat everybody equally”, she insisted.

A little further down the street, as trucks roll by to deliver construction material to the bridge site, Jospeh Clarke, said he has been living in the community for just over 40 years. He said while his house has been valued at $100 million, there has been no offer made to him, but he said he continues to see construction works ongoing in the community.

Many of the residents said they have started to consult with a number of Attorneys on the issue.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Public Works said contrary to some statements that the Government has not engaged Peter’s Hall residents on the acquisition of the lands for the New Demerara River Bridge, there are public records that show otherwise.

The Ministry explained that residents who have refused to move from the affected Peter’s Hall lands which are now legally owned by the government for development purposes, were offered a free plot of land, monetary compensation to the value of the land or building, monetary compensation for crops, and free accommodation while they construct their new homes.

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