Chang

THE GOVERNMENT has signalled that it will be moving to demolish any new structure erected on government lands, as it clamps down on squatting.

Water and Housing Minister, Dr Horace Chang, in his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House yesterday, said an estimated 15 to 35 per cent of the country's population occupied informal settlements.

At present, there are about 700 informal settlements across the island.

Existing squatters

Chang said the Government planned to deal with existing squatter communities on a "case-by-case" basis, by regularising the tenure of some squatters while relocating others.

At the same time, the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC) will, this year, complete four schemes, providing 801 houses for Jamaicans. Nearly $790 million will be spent on the projects.

Construction will also be carried out at five NHDC sites to provide 546 housing solutions, comprising a mix of serviced lots and houses. The NHDC and the National Housing Trust will also partner to construct 340 serviced lots this year.

Residential development

A major residential development is to be launched by the housing ministry in St Elizabeth, called Luana Four. This project, according to Chang, would comprise more than 800 housing solutions, with a mix of lower and middle-income houses and serviced lots.

A name change is also coming for the NHDC as part of efforts to re-brand and reposition the organisation.

Meanwhile, the University of Technology has received a contract from the housing ministry to prepare a national housing policy and implementation plan.

Work on the project is scheduled to begin this week and is set for completion next year.