By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THREE more shantytowns — two in New Providence and one in Andros — have been marked for demolition as the government’s Unregulated Community Action Task Force presses ahead with its nationwide clearance campaign, Works and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said yesterday.

Mr Sweeting said demolitions on Russell Island are expected within two weeks, describing that site as a concern “for decades.” He said the task force is now completing legal work and a population count before moving to the next phase of operations.

“All of the legality work — ensuring that persons are notified, taking proper population count of who is Bahamian, who are persons that hold permits, who doesn’t have permits — Immigration handles that,” Mr Sweeting said.

He noted that residents are legally entitled to 30 days’ notice before any structure is torn down, but said demolitions rarely occur within that timeframe due to procedural and tendering requirements.

The government’s campaign against unregulated communities has gathered pace over the past year. Nearly 500 structures have been demolished across New Providence, Eleuthera, and Abaco as the task force issues 28-day notices, conducts population surveys, and determines who is Bahamian, legally resident, or undocumented.

Recent operations included notices in the Montgomery area off Cowpen Road, where more than 200 residents were ordered to vacate their homes.

Officials have attributed delays in some areas to contractor availability and logistical challenges.

Authorities have insisted the clearances are driven by safety, sanitation, and building-code concerns, citing fires and other risks in several communities.

Social agencies have been deployed alongside enforcement teams to help residents who qualify for aid or relocation support.