Otherwise, we will have more shanty towns and more law breakers

Introduction

Anyone that follows my platform knows my position about the shanty towns or informal settlements as I have written three articles about the subject and have also done about three shows.

There is a housing crisis and the cost to purchase land is very high, but we must not encourage anyone to build illegal structures. Informal settlements occupy 573 acres of land covering 49 areas on the islands of Providenciales, Grand Turk and North Caicos. This is unacceptable and should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Otherwise, this will get out of hand. In fact, in my opinion, it is already out of hand.

For years, there have been many complaints and finally an Informally Settlement Unit was established which in my opinion should be commended. I think we should allow the Department to do their job whether it involves locals or non-locals. However, I challenge the Department to be transparent and communicate with the public as often as possible otherwise, people will form their opinions.

For instance, there was a public outcry when two locals came forward about their homes being demolished and many concluded that only Turks and Caicos Islanders are being impacted. I personally followed up on this with the Department to enquire about this. The Department has confirmed they have demolished dozens of homes and as far as they know, only two locals were involved, and they were not displaced or made homeless. The extension was demolished Furthermore, they were also provided with social services assistance.

What is being demolished?

While there are thousands of informal structures, the Department has been demolishing those structures that are unoccupied, incomplete and therefore not habitable. It is my understanding this is done to prevent the proliferation of more informal structures. This demolition is mostly on crown land, but private owners can get assistance from the Informal Settlement Units so that they can remove illegal structures from their land.

It should also be noted that individuals are given multiple notices prior to demolition.

What about the other informal structures

There are many homes that are occupied and are habitable. I know in the past the Department sent notices, but it appears that those notices were not actioned since some owners came forward and said they purchased the land. Another reason is that some of these structures are in compliant with building codes even though they are illegal.

My opinion

I appreciate and understand the department position that they do not want to make anyone homeless given that there is a shortage of housing in Turks and Caicos. However, I am concern, that if the informal settlements are not monitored, more shanty towns will develop. Since the last time I interviewed the head of the Informal Settlement Units, there has been an increase in informal settlements.

We must send a message loud and clear whether you are local or not. The law is the law, and no one should be erecting illegal structures on crown land or private land. It is not right, and it is not fair.

We must not encourage people to build illegal shacks. Because individuals are now aware that the Department may not destroy those homes that are habitable, I believe more people will build structures. I personally think we need to demolish some of those homes that are habitable to send a non-tolerance message.

I also believe we need to quickly build some homes so that when the homes are demolished, there are alternatives for individuals to rent or buy.

Impact of informal settlements

I am very concerned about the future of our country when it comes to informal settlements. These informal settlements are an eye soar. Some of these structures do not have any electricity and those that have it are sharing or borrowing, and this can be very hazardous and dangerous. Some of these structures have sanitation issues as they do not have bathroom facilities. It is also my understanding that some individuals are filing in mangrove swamps thus impacting the environment and our ecosystems.

The informal settlements are also impacting the value of neighbouring properties.

Conclusion

I applaud the Government for taking the bold step in dealing with the informal settlements. However, they cannot be slow because as soon as structures are being demolished, others are being constructed.

The Government will have to review its policy again. I know they are soft on structures that are habitable but this needs to be reviewed because people will take advantage and continue to build.