Trinidad and Tobago’s existing legal framework is adequate to facilitate implementation of an urban regeneration strategy in East PoS and creation of a network of sustainable communities. The following legislation provides for comprehensive planning and (re)development to achieve transformation through regeneration:

The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act

This provides for:

  • Preparation of development plans and alterations/additions to existing plans (Section 19)
  • Identification and designation of lands for compulsory acquisition in accordance with an approved development plan (Section 24)
  • Preparation of Development Orders to grant permission for development specified in the Order, subject to development standards and guidelines specified in the Plan or the Order (Section 31)
  • Delegation of powers by the Minister to planning authorities in respect of the grant or refusal of planning permission to develop land (Section 16)

The Slum Clearance and Housing Act, Chapter 33:02

This enables the Minister with responsibility for housing to:

  • Identify and declare slum clearance areas within which housing conditions are dangerous or injurious to the health and welfare of residents and to identify and declare re-development areas and to prepare and approve schemes for both these areas.
  • Demolish, reconstruct and repair houses; acquire land or buildings that are unfit for human habitation
  • Provide housing for the working class

The Land Acquisition Act, Chapter 58:01

This authorizes acquisition of land for public purposes.

The Highways Act, Chapter 48:0

This designates highways authorities for various classes of highways and roads. It also empowers the appropriate highways authority to construct, maintain/improve and close highways; create by agreement, divert or lose footpaths; provide for adequate drainage and lighting of highways and to erect fences and boundaries to prevent access to highways or land identified for construction of highways.

The Environmental Management Act, 2000

This promotes and encourages understanding and appreciation of the environment; encourages integration of environmental concerns into decisions of private and public sector developers; and establishes an integrated environmental management system to conserve the environment; and to develop and implement laws, policies and programmes for environmental management and to satisfy government’s international obligations. The new Water Pollution Rules also provide for protection and clean up of watercourses.