Rapid Assessment of Squatting Report (NOTE: LARGE FILE)

Squatter settlements are located close to natural resources with most of them sited in watershed
areas. Regarding land capability, arable lands account for the greater number of settlements
followed closely by marginal lands. Squatter settlements are vulnerable to the following
common natural hazards: earthquakes, flooding, landslides and storm surges.
Among several recommendations made, the report has given high priority to the identification of
funds to facilitate the speedy completion of a national policy on squatting. It recognizes the need
for an urgent review of existing legal provisions relevant to squatting followed by the
establishment of a legislative framework within which the wide range of associated issues can be
addressed.
Given the limitations of this study, the report recommends ongoing site specific assessment and
analysis on squatter settlements, employing the use of Geographic Information Systems and
related technologies. This information should be maintained in a national squatting geo database.
It was recognized that firm and immediate steps must be taken to stem the proliferation of
squatting locally. As such, a strong recommendation made by the study is that a moratorium
(approved by Cabinet) be placed on squatting preceded by a preparatory period of public
education. This however should be supported by a strong enforcement mechanism and material
resources to provide alternatives to squatting.
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