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Protest sparked by bulldozing of houses by the NHDC
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Pandemonium broke Wednesday night in Whitehall, Westmoreland after another house was bulldozed on lands owned by the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC).
The police had to be called in to quell a protest involving residents who strongly opposed the demolition exercise.
The demolition of the wooden structure followed the destruction of five other houses earlier in the afternoon.
Approximately 30 persons were left homeless.
The police were able to calm the protesters who accused the authorities of breaching an agreement to allow persons to stay on the property.
Some of the persons left homeless showed receipts as proof that they had made down payments on plots of land.
Others claimed they had entered into a lease agreement with the NHDC.
No choice but to remove squatters
Minister of Housing Dr. Horace Chang said the Whitehall property was slated for development by the NHDC.
Dr. Chang told RJR News that the Corporation had no choice but to remove persons who were squatting.
"Whitehall is a big property with a large body of established informal settlers. As far as I'm aware, there are several sections and most of these informal settlers were on the areas that are to be upgraded by provision of roads, electricity, water and titling etc.
The other areas have been asked to remain as green field and the people are aware of them," said Dr. Chang.
He added that these areas have to be kept free of squatters so proper planning and development can take place.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Pandemonium broke Wednesday night in Whitehall, Westmoreland after another house was bulldozed on lands owned by the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC).
The police had to be called in to quell a protest involving residents who strongly opposed the demolition exercise.
The demolition of the wooden structure followed the destruction of five other houses earlier in the afternoon.
Approximately 30 persons were left homeless.
The police were able to calm the protesters who accused the authorities of breaching an agreement to allow persons to stay on the property.
Some of the persons left homeless showed receipts as proof that they had made down payments on plots of land.
Others claimed they had entered into a lease agreement with the NHDC.
No choice but to remove squatters
Minister of Housing Dr. Horace Chang said the Whitehall property was slated for development by the NHDC.
Dr. Chang told RJR News that the Corporation had no choice but to remove persons who were squatting.
"Whitehall is a big property with a large body of established informal settlers. As far as I'm aware, there are several sections and most of these informal settlers were on the areas that are to be upgraded by provision of roads, electricity, water and titling etc.
The other areas have been asked to remain as green field and the people are aware of them," said Dr. Chang.
He added that these areas have to be kept free of squatters so proper planning and development can take place.
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