No ‘concrete structure’

THOSE living in informal settlements and are holders of development lease cannot use concrete to renovate their houses.

Director of Housing Ronit Sen told a public consultation at Lovu, Lautoka this week only timber, wood and corrugated iron can be used and the Housing and Community Development Ministry will give approval for all renovation works.

Imtiaz Mohammed of Nemasi settlement in Lautoka said he had demolished his house because of termite infestation and wanted to know if he could rebuild.

“I intend to build on the same foundation and there is no extension to the house. Is that allowed,” he asked.

Mr Sen said approval had to be sought first.

“Put a request to the ministry saying you want to renovate, and we will give you a consent. Please note it cannot be a concrete structure, it has to be temporary,” he said.

“You can use wood, timber and roofing iron,” he said.

Mr Mohammed said he was without a job and if he used timber, “it would be double job and a loss” if the house is destroyed by termites again.

“The reason that we don’t encourage people to build with concrete is that you don’t have proper ownership of the land,” Housing and Community Development Ministry permanent secretary Sanjeeva Perera said.

“In the unlikely reason that you have to move, it will be huge cost for you.

“That’s why we don’t allow concrete structures in informal settlements until you get a permanent title,” Mr Perera added.