Public to benefit from 3,000 surplus residential lots

YVONNE WEBB

Over 3,000 surplus residential lots which were developed by Caroni (1975) Limited as part of its Voluntary Separation Package (VSEP) for former workers, may soon be made available to the public.

Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister Clarence Rambharat said after its distribution to the ex sugar workers, they anticipate there will be a surplus of these lots which will be available in the future for distribution to non-Caroni VSEP workers.

Addressing an Agricultural Lease Distribution ceremony for 47 former workers of Caroni (1975) Limited at its Chaguanas headquarters on Tuesday, Rambharat also pointed out that the transfer of Caroni lands for the construction of schools and certain housing developments are yet to be completed.

He said this has created particular challenges which is engaging the attention of staff at his ministry.

Addressing the audience which included Parliamentary Secretary in the ministry, Senator Avinash Singh, Caroni’s chairman, Jerry Hospedales and CEO Kevin Singh, he said because the lands have not been properly transferred, prospective home owners face the challenge of acquiring mortgages.

In his discourse, the minister alluded to the transfer of Caroni lands to schools, constructed as far back as 1990, as well as, key Housing Development Corporation (HDC) projects. Referring to the latter, he said, “The implications of that is that when you have to get your mortgage in order to acquire one of those HDC houses, you will not be able to do so because the first thing the bank of the TT Mortgage Finance Company (TTMF) is going to ask you for is proof of title.

“For this reason, 2018 will be a year of focus on getting those leases not just to the former workers of Caroni, but to those persons throughout the country who have been waiting for security in terms of a deed so that they can organise their lives.”

Rambharat said a lot of work has been done in relation to other leases which at times have been slow and painful, “particularly due to the tedious task of staff having to sift through dated files.”

He said while some people are patient, they would like to know what is happening with their leases and asked the authorities at Caroni to do more in providing information to those who see a resolution to their issues.

“We could repair roads and bridges, give subsidies and assist in the purchase of chemicals and fertilizers, but when I traverse the country and speak with farmers, the number one thing they want in their lives are those leases which will enable them to really make and investment in agriculture. It is therefore very important that we settle this issue once and for all.”

Rambharat also pledged to the ex-Caroni workers in respect to the residential lease disbursement, inadequate land (site) development, funding and statutory approvals, that he remains committed to accelerating the leases where possible so that they can be delivered to as many people in 2018.