SOME families have been forced to remove unapproved house extensions after conflicts arose over planned housing developments, says Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa.
“In some cases, particularly in the West, tenants have been asked to remove extensions that were built without approval and that interfere with our development plans,” he said.
Mr Nalumisa said disputes often arise when homes are built too close together, and residents extend their houses without permission, affecting boundaries and access ways.
“These challenges arise because we are dealing with people and their homes,” he said.
Responding to concerns about how the ministry can prevent a repeat of such problems, the minister said the Government is now taking a more careful and structured approach from the very start of each project.
“We consult from the beginning.
“The ministry carries out a socio-economic survey, so we already know how many people are living in the area and what their situation is.”
During the development phase, he said, residents are strictly not allowed to build new structures or extend existing homes.
“At this stage, people must wait until the project is completed.
“Once the boundaries are clearly defined, residents will then know exactly where they can build extensions.”
Mr Nalumisa said building without proper approval is against the law.
