Govt told to back off squatters

THE National Land Tenants and Ratepayers Association (NLRA) is warning that if Government continues to demolish squatter homes in the manner in which it is being done, there will be  “serious consequences for the country and the Government in particular.” The view was expressed yesterday in a letter to Housing and Settlements Minister Dr Keith Rowley from NLRA’s special advisor, Abdool Wahab.

The association is seeking a meeting with the Minister on the matter, since they believe they “have some advice and proposals that could impact positively on the issue.” Wahab said while it did not support squatting, demolition is not the answer to the problem. He said the association noted with keen interest and a sense of great dismay the “frequency and inconsiderate action” regarding the indiscriminate demolition of squatter homes on State lands at Cashew Gardens, Carlsenfield and Jacobs Hill, Wallerfield. Wahab said the association will monitor the situation and will advise squatters on any action that may bring relief to their community.