Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Phillip Alexander, says the Housing Development Corporation is conducting an assessment of the Marcano Quarry Lands apartment buildings in Laventille, commonly known as “Canada”, to determine whether the structures should be repaired or demolished.
Speaking on Talk City 91.1 FM, he said the HDC is preparing a comprehensive report following his recent visit to the apartment buildings in Laventille.
He noted that the assessment will evaluate the structural condition of the buildings and compare the costs of refurbishment with those of full replacement.
“I have asked, and the Managing Director of the HDC told me by Wednesday, for the latest, that we will get a cost to replace it. So if the cost to replace it is feasible, then those with the authority and responsibility to make those decisions will.”
The Minister emphasised that the safety of residents remains the Government’s primary concern.
He noted that if the buildings are deemed structurally unsafe, they cannot continue to be occupied, particularly in the event of a major earthquake.
“We are definitely at some point going to have to remove those buildings because if we get an earthquake like what happened in Peru or what happened in Venezuela, if those buildings are unsafe, what’s going to happen to the people which the gangs are renting? The HDC is still responsible.”
Minister Alexander said the findings of the assessment will guide the Government’s next steps as it continues efforts to improve housing conditions and increase the country’s housing stock.
“There are a lot of projects underway, and our job is to complete proper homes, and we are trying to make sure that it is done at the most affordable prices.”
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing safe and affordable housing while ensuring that existing developments meet the required structural and safety standards.