The Prime Minister says when a new assessment centre is opened no person will be encouraged to live on the street in Port of Spain.

Dr Keith Rowley at the sod turning ceremony for the Social Development Ministry Headquarters referred to an announcement made last year for a $55m facility to house street dwellers.

He said street dwellers are currently building their own cities on the pavements of the capital.

Dr Rowley added that the new centre at South Quay would house upwards of 200 people with the aim of moving them back to their families and/or elsewhere, and getting them the help needed.