Call for new approach on squatters

The Housing Department was urged to reform squatter control operations to save taxpayers $39 million and reduce staff inactivity.

Staffing at the Squatter Control Office had remained unchanged despite a significant decline in the number of squatters in the past decade.

Also, the department did not cut the frequency of patrols, which could save the government $39 million a year.

Currently, 199 teams with more than 800 staff were set up to carry out patrol duties on areas likely to have squatters.

The number of illegal structures has decreased from 44,923 in 1982 to 2,667 in 1995.

Housing officers spend 13 per cent of their time on administration, during which time the rest of their teams are idle.