The settlement question

I WRITE with reference to the statement ‘Illegal settlements hindering development’ according to the NCDC Regulatory Services Department in The National last Monday. I represent the poor and marginalised citizens of this country who live and work from settlements and who, in one way or another, contribute to the economy, and growth and development of the country.
I respect the fact that NCDC, under the leadership of the governor, is working to solve this issue. I support the idea of eradicating illegal settlements.
But the question we need to ask is how?
Settlements are here to stay whether we like it or not and this is a fact we cannot deny. Settlements are found all around the world.
Any newly elected government can fight, fight and fight but will never complete the war on settlements.
For this reason I, as a settlement dweller, wish to stand as a united force to partner the government and create an avenue for better development to grow within the settlement perimeters.
Making settlement proper suburbs and re-developing unplanned State land are the windows of hope and opportunity that will give settlements a better name.
We, the settlers, understand the situation we are in and the huge responsibilities that our leaders take upon their shoulders and the challenges they meet and handle.
I hope that our three MPs of NCD continue to be a channel of blessing to us the settlers.

Hometa Aepavi Kuimane
Lufa