Shantytowns are a major problem in The Bahamas

Addressing the shantytown problem
thenassauguardian editorial


Tragedy hit a Haitian community in the Carmichael Road area on Sunday. A large part of a shantytown burned down, destroying more than 100 houses. Hundreds may now be homeless.

Shantytowns are a major problem in The Bahamas. In 2009, then Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney said that 37 shantytowns had been identified in New Providence alone.

With houses having been built too close together; with some homes being powered by stolen electricity connected by low hanging wires; and with large communities with inadequate or no sewerage systems, these shantytowns are public health hazards.

For some reason, especially in New Providence, the agencies of the government responsible for policing this problem have failed.

More aggressive action on this problem is needed in 2011 for the sake of the Haitians living in shantytowns and for the Bahamians who live nearby.

When proper sanitation and safety protocols are not followed, mass tragedy could ensue from fire or disease. Sunday’s fire could have led to the deaths of hundreds.

For the Bahamians who live near shantytowns, their property values are reduced because of the unsanitary communities next door. This is unfair to hardworking, honest citizens of the country.

The problem is, in part, that governments of The Bahamas have been unable to regulate effectively the flow of people from the failed Haitian state. Those looking for a better life have just set up communities on any vacant land.

Once the illegal structures are built, for humanitarian reasons, it is hard to destroy them. Where do you send the poor and stateless once their homes are removed?

We must not let genuine concern for our brothers and sisters from the south to overrule commonsense, however. Illegally built shantytowns need to be removed.

Those migrating to The Bahamas must find legal and safe accommodation. We cannot continue to ignore this problem. It is a matter of law, order and public safety.

No one in this country should be allowed to ignore public health and town planning regulations. The laws exist to keep us safe and to protect property rights.

The government just decided to enforce the seatbelt laws, which were originally enacted in 2002. It should next move to rigorously enforce the public health and property laws being violated by many who reside in shantytowns across the country.

12/29/2010

thenassauguardian editorial

Bahamas Blog International