Don’t put down any more structures at Pole Yard, PM Gonsalves warns

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has cautioned persons against erecting additional structures in Pole Yard at Arnos Vale.

Speaking on NBC radio on Wednesday, Dr Gonsalves said the Planning authority will deal with such persons.

Pole Yard residents are to be relocated soon, as the Government moves ahead to build the Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale on the site of the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport. The Pole yard community is located alongside one portion of the airport’s runway.

In an effort to get free housing, some persons are said to have since placed additional structures in Pole Yard, hoping to be compensated when the resettlement takes place.

However,the Prime Minister said “we know how many persons were there at a particular time.”

He added that it was stated clearly that no additional structures should be built in Pole Yard.

“If you want to get facilitation with housing, you can make the representation to me, or to the Minister of Housing.”

The Prime Minister said he has also spoken to Minister of Works, Montgomery Daniel to ensure that “those structures do not continue.”

At present, there is a huge demand for land and housing in many areas, due to ongoing rural to urban migration.

Regardless of the demand, Gonsalves said “you cannot go and do things in a manner which may undermine big projects of national development.”

In the meanwhile, the Government continues to repair and construct houses for persons whose homes were negatively impacted by the 2021 eruptions of La Soufriere Volcano.

Apart from the 27 houses that were already given out at Orange Hill, a further 21 will be distributed in that area.

Prime Minister Gonsalves said other houses will also be built in Sandy Bay, in addition to the timber houses which are being imported from Guyana.

He also spoke about the possible formation of a Community Housing Association which will be a non-profit company, with representation from the Mustique Company, the Government and the people.

This association will help to ensure maintenance of good order and quality of life in these communities.