Today, the HDC demolished 12 structures at Ramjattan Trace, off Tumpuna Road, Arima.

The exercise was carried out on behalf of the Commissioner of State Lands, which is the only organization authorized by law to remove persons from State Lands.

According to the HDC five of the 12 structures housed illegal occupants while the rest were vacant.

As the exercise was being carried out, some occupants began shouting and confronted police officers at the site.

Some also claim to have occupied the land for over 15 years, and say they were promised relief by their MP.

However, in a statement, the HDC says recent satellite imagery showed that many of the structures were either newly built or still under construction.

It says in October 2024, 20 structures were torn down, with notices served to the occupants of 12 more asking them to vacate by January 2025.

It adds that the occupants were given an additional nine days to vacate and remove any personal belongings before demolition took place.

There are also allegations of fraudulent activities with regard to the illegal sale of state lands – the HDC says investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, today’s events have prompted former Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal to call for humane solutions to the housing crisis.

In a statement, he urged the Commissioner of State Lands to work with the HDC to offer emergency shelter for the displaced squatters.

He believes the heavy hand of the law would not help the vulnerable at this time, and called on the area’s MP to assist citizens who occupy state lands in the absence of state assistance.

This story has been updated.