The Development Control Authority (DCA) has announced the postponement of scheduled demolitions at Jennings Extension until April 30, 2025, amid conflicting reports about the number of affected properties.
While residents claim 21 properties were slated for demolition on November 14, 2024, the DCA has clarified that only eight homes are actually scheduled for removal.
These properties are situated on Crown Land controlled by the Ministry of Lands.
According to the DCA, the affected homeowners received notices to vacate dating back four years, with the most recent notice issued on July 31, 2024.
A final notice was delivered by the Compliance and Enforcement Unit on October 7.
The enforcement action stems from developments carried out without required permits and the construction of dwelling houses on Crown land without permission from both the Lands Division and the DCA.
Residents report they had previously been assured of the opportunity to purchase the land they occupied, particularly during the period leading up to the 2023 General Election.
They state that applications were submitted through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) to purchase the land, though these efforts were unsuccessful.
The DCA has cited Section 34(8) of the Physical Planning Act as the legal basis for the enforcement action, which permits the Authority to require demolition or removal of buildings in breach of regulations.
The Authority warns that failure to comply with the removal order by the new April 2025 deadline may result in damage and loss to property.
Separate arrangements have reportedly been made by the Central Housing and Planning Authority with other homeowners in the same flood-prone area, though these arrangements do not apply to the properties scheduled for demolition on Crown Lands.
