Recent Abaco blaze resurrects debate on the illegal living situation
The Minnis administration said it is adamant about eradicating shanty towns across the country and will not entertain regulating activity that it said is illegal.
Minister of Works Desmond Bannister, who briefly spoke to the media in front of cabinet yesterday said, there is no question of regulations.
“We’re looking to eradicate them,” Bannister said, when asked whether the government had considered introducing regulations, which would govern how structures in shanty towns are built.
The minister’s statement follows concerns of the current status of unregulated areas, one of which recently experience a fire.
A massive blaze ripped through the Mud Haitian community, the second devastating fire in just over a month, which destroyed 32 structures and displaced 95 persons.
No lives were lost in either incident.
According to Bannister, as unfortunate as the situation may be for those affected, the Ministry of Works already has plans on the table for the future of the demolished site.
“That area that was burnt, the Ministry of Works will fence that off, clear that up, create a green space and we will continue to get rid of shanty towns,” he said.
These efforts, he said, are expected to make their way to New Providence however, Bannister was unable to give an exact timeline as to when they take effect.
“There is a full plan that has been presented to Cabinet,” he said.
“I’m sure that plan will be shared with the public by the ministers responsible.”
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