ISU Demolishes Over 830 Illegal Structures Since 2023, Strengthens Enforcement and Data Systems

The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) says it has demolished more than 830 illegal structures since its establishment in 2023, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts to address the spread of informal settlements across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A photo shows the before and after land-clearance on a second in Providenciales.

According to the Unit, 495 of those structures were removed in 2025 alone, as part of a coordinated effort with government agencies to contain and reduce unauthorised development. These actions have also led to the reclamation of approximately 44.6 acres of land.

The figures were revealed in the ISU’s 2025 Annual Report, which highlights significant progress in strengthening enforcement, improving data collection, and expanding the Unit’s operational capacity to better respond to informal settlement activity nationwide.

An ISU representative serves notice at a house constructed illegally

The report notes that the ISU is now better positioned to implement a more targeted and coordinated national response, supported by improved mapping, socio-economic data gathering, and inter-agency collaboration.

A major component of this progress has been the expansion of the Social Needs Assessment Survey, aimed at understanding the living conditions and needs of residents in informal communities. By the end of 2025, data collection had been completed in 12 sites, with work ongoing in an additional 15 locations.

In tandem, the Unit has advanced its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping programme, completing the first full cycle across all 51 identified informal settlement sites in the country. The mapping exercise identified a total of 6,065 structures, establishing a critical baseline for planning and enforcement. A second round of mapping is already underway, with 30 sites remapped for ongoing monitoring.

A rendering of a formal housing solution complex

Beyond enforcement, the ISU has also been laying the groundwork for long-term solutions, including housing development planning, infrastructure regularisation, and draft legislative frameworks to support land tenure reform.

Community engagement remained a key pillar of the Unit’s work throughout the year. Initiatives such as the ISU Youth Outreach Programme and Community Caravans in areas including Providenciales and Grand Turk helped raise awareness and strengthen relationships with residents. The Unit also hosted its first Holiday Cheer Caravan, distributing gifts to children in several communities.

The ISU said the progress outlined in the report represents a critical phase in its development, positioning the Unit to transition toward more evidence-based and sustainable interventions as it continues its work into 2026.