Residents currently occupying land in the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area could be folded into the government's housing programme as plans advance to redevelop the waterfront community, according to Antigua News Room. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the disclosure Thursday during the question-and-answer segment of the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
Merchant was responding to questions about how the government plans to handle the presence of squatters within the proposed redevelopment zone. He stated clearly that the administration has no intention of displacing residents without providing an alternative arrangement.
"Of course, the government cannot just simply remove individuals to go and squat elsewhere," Merchant said.
Instead, the government intends, where possible, to bring those currently living in the area into its broader housing initiative. "Somehow, it will try to incorporate the individuals who are currently there to give them the opportunity to own their properties and to live in a humane fashion," Merchant said.
The remarks followed Merchant's announcement that Cabinet had endorsed a vision to transform the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area into a modern mixed-use development. The proposed project would feature a residential housing community, a marina and commercial lots, with the aim of attracting investment, creating jobs and expanding the country's tourism product.
Merchant said the government sees considerable untapped economic potential in the area. "That area, the government believes, presents great potential for development, not only in housing but also economically," he said.
Concept designs for the redevelopment are expected to be unveiled within the next few weeks, offering the public its first detailed look at the government's plans. "Within a couple of weeks, designs will be presented of the government's ideas as it relates to transforming that area," Merchant said.
Cabinet has already agreed that comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments will be conducted before construction begins, ensuring that environmental considerations are fully incorporated into the planning process.
