#BTEditorial – Lack of action encourages more squatters

Why are our authorities simply talking about the dangers of illegal squatting in this country, that among other things, is threatening the quality of our ground water supply, rather than taking swift action?

We understand and appreciate the plight of those who are landless and lack the means to build a home in this high-priced real estate environment.

However, the threat to the entire population becomes even more perilous with every new illegal structure that is erected in areas such as the Belle, Station Hill, and neighbouring districts that fall into what was formerly described as Zone 1 water areas, where our most important aquifers are situated.

The Belle, St Michael has been a contentious mix of political, social, economic and humanitarian debacles, which served to muddy the waters and contribute to the costly headache the area has become after decades.

There is a sense that too many of the country’s systems and institutions are either ignoring problems hoping that they will resolve themselves somehow, or we have taken the “cuddear” approach that only results in metastasis of the original issue.

It was not that long ago that the playing field at Station Hill was a thriving centre for community activity and sports. It has now been encroached and replaced by scores of makeshift houses owned by those who felt they could take over the area.

Why is this continuing to occur across the country? It is due to the snail’s pace of action by enforcement agencies, whose role it is to prevent and deter this type of activity.

We have witnessed occasions where homeowners, building on lands they paid for being forced to destroy parts of their homes  constructed without the permission of government’s Planning Department.

Why not take the same approach with squatters?

In the local media, we learn that the Planning and Development Department (formerly the Town Planning Department) says it is looking at almost 20 illegally constructed structures in  Station Hill.

Deputy Director of the department Rudy Headley reported that 17 of the buildings were served with notices to quit.

The senior government official stated,“It’s something that we picked up within the last two weeks, but we definitely will be enforcing on that particular structure.”

Forgive us if we are not particularly impressed. We have heard
similar sentiments about illegal squatters, only for the problem to get
worse.

“I would suggest that there be no further erection of unauthorised structures because it will be taken very seriously. We have to send a message because people are disregarding the laws and there will be serious enforcement taken and hopefully people will learn from the enforcement,” he added.

We are not surprised the department’s instructions are being ignored. The squatters know it will probably take decades for their possible removal, and by that time, public sympathy (or apathy) would have set in. In addition, the squatters’ physical numbers will likely represent substantial electoral votes, thus compounding the matter.

Many of our citizens are living on plantation lands and rented property. They put their names on never-ending lists at the National Housing Corporation (NHC), in hope that one day, they will feel like a lottery winner and be called for either a rented unit or subsidised or reduced market-price for land on which to construct their home.

Admittedly, successive governments have established many low-income housing developments but clearly demand is outstripping supply. Then we must also consider those who want to build homes on land but have no intentions of making the sacrifice to purchase the properties.

The number of concrete structures that are being established in squatter communities suggests the owners have sufficient resources to go the legal route of purchasing land.

There is also the disgusting and exploitative practice of people illegally building homes in squatter communities and renting them out. This is effectively organised crime.

The problem of squatting highlights the pressing problem of affordable housing in this country, especially for low income earners.

After the commentary and statements of disapproval, the problem still remains. Our government agencies need to get a handle on the situation and act decisively.