Residents currently occupying land in the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area could be incorporated into the government’s housing programme as plans advance to redevelop the waterfront community, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday.

Merchant made the disclosure during the question-and-answer segment of the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing after being asked how the government intends to address the presence of squatters within the proposed redevelopment area.

He said the administration has no intention of simply removing residents without providing an alternative.

“Of course, the government cannot just simply remove individuals to go and squat elsewhere,” Merchant said.

Instead, Merchant said the government intends, where possible, to incorporate those currently living in the area into its broader housing initiative.

“Somehow, it will try to incorporate the individuals who are currently there to give them the opportunity to own their properties and to live in a humane fashion,” he said.

The comments came after Merchant announced that Cabinet had endorsed the government’s vision to transform the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area into a modern mixed-use development featuring a residential housing community, marina and commercial lots aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs and expanding the country’s tourism product.

Merchant said the government believes the area possesses significant untapped economic potential.

“That area, the government believes, presents great potential for development, not only in housing but also economically,” he said.

He disclosed that concept designs for the redevelopment are expected to be presented within the next few weeks, giving the public its first detailed look at the government’s plans for the area.

“Within a couple of weeks, designs will be presented of the government’s ideas as it relates to transforming that area,” Merchant said.

Cabinet has already agreed that comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments will be conducted before construction begins to ensure environmental considerations are fully incorporated into the planning process.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government Says Perry Bay Squatters Could Be Included in Housing Programme.