Minister of Land and Legal Affairs, Saddam Hosein says government is actively considering relocating residents affected by the volcanic activity in Piparo.
In the wake of a second report from the University of the West Indies research team at the Piparo Mud Volcano, Minister of Land and Legal Affairs, Saddam Hosein said the government is ready to move quickly to relocate affected residents.
“Once I get the requests from the residents, the MP or the Minister we will ensure that we are able to mobilize those resources. I think what is happening there is very troubling and worrying. Many of us may have enjoyed the festivities over the last week but think about those residents really that their lives and their homes and property are at risk because of natural disasters.”
The second report from the research unit was issued on December 30, 2025 and indicates that “pressure is continuing to rise and remains a cause for concern”.
“Once we have made a decision as a government based on the scientific assessment and so on because primarily the key is the safety of the residents. That is the primary responsibility of the government at this point in time. If there is need for relocation I would ensure that my ministry is mobilized to see whether or not we have available lands people can build on. I mean that would not be an immediate relief if you have to build.”
Minister Hosein highlighted the government’s resources that are available to relocate the residents.
“We also have the Ministry of Housing and so on. I have under my purview the LSA, which also has some degree of housing within that portfolio. So when and if we can provide that immediate relief to those residents, I am giving the undertaking that we will, in fact, mobilize resources and do so.”
The Land and Legal Affairs Minister noted that there is also another available resource at his Ministry.
“The CDA, Chaguaramas Development Authority, was also gazetted to the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs. That was done very recently. So therefore we also have some plans to look at what is available in terms of the CDA also for developmental growth in Trinidad and Tobago.”