Housing Ministry cracks down on illegal encroachment along Mandela–Eccles highway

The Ministry of Housing and Water has taken enforcement action against a busines illegally occupying sections of the road and drainage reserves along the Mandela–Eccles four-lane highway.

Through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the ministry issued a formal Notice of Contravention to the business owners, citing unauthorised use of state reserves and a breach of the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 20:01.

According to the ministry, the owners or their agents had poured concrete and placed construction materials, machinery, and equipment on lands adjacent to the western lane of the highway, without legal permission. The CH&PA has since initiated the dismantling of the unlawful structure.

The Notice of Contravention instructed the owners to “immediately remove all encumbrances,” including poured concrete and equipment, from the affected areas. It also directed that all “construction and operational activities” must remain “within the bounds of the said property” and not obstruct traffic along the highway.

Although the business received planning approval from the CH&PA in December 2023, the ministry said the access route identified in the approved plan is via an internal road west of the site—not from the highway.

The ministry said the enforcement action highlights its commitment to ensuring public infrastructure remains clear and accessible. It warned that illegal encroachments will not be tolerated and that legal action will be taken to ensure compliance.

“This is a significant step towards maintaining order, safety, and the proper development of public spaces for the benefit of all citizens,” the ministry said in a statement.