Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement that demolition has commenced
and will continue on Soualiga Drive, Pond Island. Occupants of the land were informed in
September that they needed to vacate by December. Though the original timeline for the
demolition was slated for early December, the recent holiday period was considered, which
resulted in the date being postponed to January 8 th , and once again postponed and finally
executed. Though notice of the demolition was given in September, construction was observed to
have continued in October, resulting in stop/removal orders, which were also ignored.
The demolition operations, which began last week, are the result of a court verdict that upheld
the validity of long lease on the parcel. Government must deliver said parcel free of structures,
residents or blockages. The focus of this demolition is on removing unauthorized structures,
including multiple shacks, containers, abandoned vehicles, fencing, and gates on the property.
“This action follows months of advance notice to occupants and stakeholders,” said Minister of
VROMI, Patrice Gumbs. “We have been communicating since September that this demolition
will take place. When the teams arrived on January 8 th to execute, the decision was taken to give
additional time to have the residents remove their belongings. Upon return, the site was still
occupied, signaling that the notices of demolition weren’t taken seriously, and that’s very
unfortunate; but at that stage Government has to execute the order of the court.”
Prior to beginning demolition work, comprehensive documentation was completed, including
photographic records of all structures. Inspectors conducted site assessments, and all relevant
stakeholders, including GEBE and KPSM, were present to ensure safe and coordinated execution
of the work.
Minister Gumbs also clarified that the area of demolition does not fall within the project scope of
the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) and therefore there is no question of
compensation. Furthermore, contrary to reports, all established Project Affected Persons (PAPs)
have been appropriately compensated.
Going forward, addressing the ongoing unauthorized occupation of Government land on Pond
Island will be a part of the Ministry’s larger enhanced spatial planning and enforcement efforts.
“While I recognize the right of everyone to decent housing, that right cannot be realized through
squatting.”
“I want to thank the KPSM, and all cooperating agencies whose presence and support enabled
the safe execution of this operation.” Gumbs continued. He also thanked the departments within
VROMI for their coordination.
Demolition activities will continue at the site this week.