Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Overnight rains damaged the possessions of four families evicted by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) in San Fernando last Thursday.
Among those left homeless are Faith Noray, 20, an expectant mother, and her boyfriend Brandon Brown, 29. Their first child together is due next week.
On Friday, the couple moved back into their home on Steve Achaiba Street, San Fernando, as they had nowhere else to go.
Brown’s mother, Parbatie Ragoonanan said she also moved back in and was sick with worry as all her valuables got wet in the rain.
“My mattress soaked, all my small appliances, my microwave, all my clothes, my groceries, everything got wet,” she cried.
Ragoonanan’s brother, Narine Ramcharan, said he was confused as to why the HDC evicted them as some of them had been living on the lands since 1978 and had leases, while others had been living there since 2004.
An affidavit provided by Gangadaye Ragoonanan indicated that she had been living on the parcel of land since 1978.
Brown provided an eviction notice from the HDC dated July 22 which stated that he was required to vacate a parcel of land at Rushworth Street West, San Fernando, which he had been illegally occupying without the consent and authorisation of the HDC.
However, Brown said he did not live on HDC lands at Rushworth Street West and was puzzled about why he received such a notice. He also said insufficient time was given, as his family couldn’t relocate on such short notice.
“We are not taking this lightly. Right now, my pregnant girlfriend is feeling sick with all this stress,” he said.
In response to questions about the reasons for the evictions on Steve Achaiba Street when it does not own the homes or the lands occupied by the residents, the HDC said the matter is under investigation.
“The HDC is aware of the concerns raised by residents who have been evicted along Steve Achaiba Street in San Fernando. The HDC understands that the residents have since re-entered the premises and taken up residence in their original houses. The HDC will investigate the matter to determine the cause of the evictions,” the Authority said.
