National survey of informal settlements completed in 13 parishes

September 28, 2026

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development has completed a national survey of informal settlements in 13 of the 14 parishes.

Speaking during a JIS Think Tank recently, Chief Technical Director for Housing, Urban Renewal and Projects at the Ministry, Authrine Scarlett said St. James is the only parish not yet surveyed but surveying is expected to start by the end of this month.

Mrs. Scarlett said the survey will provide the Government with comprehensive, evidence-based information on the number and characteristics of squatter settlements including their socioeconomic conditions and infrastructure needs.

She explained that the findings will help determine which communities may be suitable for regularisation and which may require relocation.

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She said that the National Squatter Management Policy being implemented will work hand in hand with this data to enable the Government to come up with concrete strategies and programmes to address squatting.

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