Republic of Mauritius- Evicted squatters will benefit from NHDC assistance, says Minister Obeegadoo

The Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Mr. Louis Steven Obeegadoo, made this statement at a press conference held yesterday at Ébène, in regards to the eviction exercise of squatters from  illegal occupations of State lands.

The Minister deplored the illegal act of setting up structures on state land during the Covid-19 lockdown while the police force was called upon to ensure the safety of the population.

Mr. Louis Steven Obeegadoo pointed out that by 28 May  2020, some 161 illegal structures have been constructed in four locations,  namely at Résidence Malherbes in Curepipe, Riambel, Pointe aux Sables and Le Morne. He indicated that residents of these regions reported the presence of squatters to the authorities who have subsequently conducted various site visits to take note of the illegal occupations.

According to him,  on 12 May 2020. some 29 structures were identified at different locations, and these increased to 113 on May 19, 2020 and reached a total of 161 on May 26. Following this increasing number of illegal occupations, the government undertook an eviction procedure on May 28, 2020.

The Minister also emphasised that following  a site visit made on May 19, 2020, it was found that at Pointe aux Sables out of the 57 structures, 4 were occupied, in Riambel the 46 dwellings had no occupants, and at Résidence Malherbes out of  the 10 structures, only 2 were occupied.

In addition, he underlined that the police intervened only the refusal of the persons concerned to leave the site.

The  Minister pointed out that a deadline to evacuate the state land was given to some squatters urged  them to register themselves with the NHDC and the needy families will benefit from NHDC assistance following an investigation as regards their social and financial situation.

He recalled that these state-owned lands will be used for development projects and illegal acts of squatting are hampering the country’s progress. He also reiterated that the mission of his Ministry is to promote social integration through the development of housing projects and is determined to help the evicted squatters.