Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall SC has warned that the government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to squatting, saying authorities may have to use legal enforcement measures to remove persons occupying state lands illegally.
Speaking during his weekly Issues in the News programme, Nandlall described squatting as a criminal offence and said it continues to hinder development across the country.
According to the Attorney General, complaints about squatting are frequently raised during cabinet outreaches and community engagements.
“At every cabinet outreach I go to, or most of my public engagements in communities across this country, squatting is a regular complaint raised, and we can’t continue. Government will have to take steps steps that are harsh, or may appear harsh but are authorised by law,” he said.
Nandlall argued that illegal occupation of land delays development projects and, in some cases, contributes to flooding.
He referenced the removal of squatters at Mocha as an example of the law being enforced, maintaining that there is no legal basis for squatting.
The Attorney General also reminded squatters that they are generally unable to access public utilities while occupying state lands illegally.
“Most importantly, when you squat, you will not receive services such as utilities. GWI will not connect water because they would be aiding and abetting squatting. GPL also ought not to connect electricity because they would be aiding and abetting the squatting,” he said.
Nandlall said the government hopes people will refrain from squatting and instead work with the Ministry of Housing and Water to obtain land legally.
“I am speaking to you because I hope that the state does not have to use its coercive legal machinery to address the issue of squatting. If you cooperate, the Ministry of Housing will cooperate with you, and we will be able to accelerate your application for a house lot,” he said.
He also called on Regional Democratic Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to use the powers available to them under the law by serving notices, initiating court proceedings where necessary and removing illegal structures from public reserves, government reserves and other state lands.
Discussion