Rapid Assessment of Squatting Report (NOTE: LARGE FILE)

National Squatter Survey, Jamaica (2004)
The 2004 National Squatter Survey was commissioned by the then Ministry of Land and
Environment (MLE) and prepared by the Urban and Regional Planning Division of the
University of Technology, Jamaica. The study began in June 2002 and the final report was
submitted August 2004. The study sought to assist the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) in
determining the nature and incidence of squatting in the country. More specifically, the study:
1. Undertook a survey of all squatter settlements, both on government and private lands and
of settlements in urban and rural areas that are subject to “lot lease” by owners or
managers of property (land and / or building).
2. Mapped the location of all identified squatter settlements. 2
Of an estimated five hundred and ninety-five (595) settlements in Jamaica, three hundred and
eighty (380) or 64% were surveyed. Eighty-two percent (82%) were in the urban centres and
eighteen percent (18%) in the rural areas. It was also found that of the surveyed settlements:
Seventy six percent (76%) of the squatting took place on Government lands,
sixteen percent (16%) on private lands and the tenure status of eight percent (8%)
was uncertain
Thirty-six percent (36%) of the settlements were in existence for over twenty-five
(25) years.
Kingston and St. Andrew had the largest number of settlements, followed by St.
Catherine, and Manchester was found to have the lowest incidence of squatting.
Most occupants in the squatter settlements were self-employed
There were more male-headed households in these settlements. The survey found
that this amounted to forty-nine point four percent (49.4%), while eighteen point
seven percent (18.7%) of those households were female-headed.
Overall supporting infrastructure and social support facilities were lacking; in
most cases non-existent in the settlements.
2 Urban and Regional Planning Programme, 2004. “National Squatter Survey”
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