Government to open new housing and agricultural lands from June
The government on Monday announced that new lands for housing and agriculture will begin coming on stream from June this year, as it outlined an extensive land surveying programme during the consideration of the 2026 estimates in the National Assembly.
The disclosure was made during the Committee of Supply as the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance addressed questions on the Lands and Surveys Department’s expanded work programme for the year. Officials explained that while the Central Housing and Planning Authority initiates requests for land development, Lands and Surveys plays a critical role in conducting the required cadastral and occupation surveys once Cabinet approval is granted.
The ministry confirmed that for 2026, a total of $119 million has been budgeted for surveys aimed at opening up new lands across several regions. These surveys will support both housing and agricultural development and are expected to significantly increase land availability nationwide.
Among the areas earmarked for new surveys is Prosville, where regularisation work is expected to begin in June. Officials clarified that Prosville differs from other locations as it involves regularising an existing settlement where residents are already occupying lands. In contrast, the majority of the other areas identified are entirely new lands that are being opened and surveyed for the first time.
The ministry outlined a wide-ranging programme that includes surveys for agricultural lands at Wauna, Yarakabra, Manari, Laluni and Lucria, with parcels ranging from small-scale five-acre plots to larger ten and twelve-acre allocations.
Several locations will also see residential lands developed, including areas where plots will be subdivided to support homesteads and community expansion.
In addition, precision levelling and cadastral surveys will be carried out in parts of Georgetown, Wakenaam Island and along the coast to strengthen national land records and improve planning accuracy. Block and occupation surveys are also planned for areas such as Plantation Friendship on the East Bank Demerara and sections of the East Coast.
Responding to questions from Members of Parliament, the minister confirmed that none of the newly surveyed lands, with the exception of Prosville, have been allocated or leased as yet, as the process remains at the surveying stage. Allocation will only occur after surveys are completed and the necessary approvals are granted.
The government also acknowledged the growing demand for land, noting a backlog of approximately 3,500 applications in Region Four alone. Officials said the expanded 2026 programme is designed to address this demand by accelerating surveys and opening new areas for development.
The ministry reaffirmed that the release of new lands for housing and agriculture remains a key government priority, as it continues to expand opportunities for home ownership, farming and economic growth across the country.
