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Many unlawful occupations take place on land that was never intended for housing, including wetlands, floodplains, water retention areas and other environmentally sensitive spaces.
While these areas may appear suitable at first, they often pose serious risks to the people living there. During heavy rainfall, these locations are among the first to flood, placing families, homes and belongings in danger. They can also limit access for emergency and basic services.
Unlawful occupation impacts more than just the land itself. It can affect critical infrastructure, increase flood risks for surrounding communities and place additional strain on public resources.
