Turks and Caicos Islands

Informal Settlements Unit

The Turks and Caicos Islands Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) is a government organisation tasked with finding solutions to the growing challenges experienced within and by informal settlements across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Informal Settlement?

An informal settlement is an area consisting of housing or other buildings that have been illegally erected. These developments are built outside of any planning oversight and as such, they have poor structural quality and lack the most basic amenities and services such as water, electricity, roads, storm water drains and sanitation among other things. They pose a multitude of threats and risks to the people residing in them as well as both the community and environment around them.

Community focused solutions.

The ISU is focused on building safer, more sustainable communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. To this end, we are addressing the many problems that informal settlements create and looking at the root cause of their development so as to avoid future settlements as the country continues to grow.

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Our Vision

To create safer, more sustainable communities in TCI.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to manage the heritage assets of the Turks and Caicos Islands responsibly, working in collaboration with all interested parties to create communities that are safe for residents and visitors, and capable of supporting future development that allows for improvement while encouraging growth through sustainable efforts.

Key Initiatives

GIS Mapping

The ISU's GIS Mapping sub-project provides the spatial intelligence that underpins the Unit's work by identifying, monitoring, and analysing informal settlements across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through high-resolution aerial mapping and data analysis, the programme supports evidence-based decision-making, strengthens monitoring efforts, and informs enforcement, planning, housing, and infrastructure initiatives.

Containment

The ISU supports the containment of informal settlements by providing GIS mapping data to strengthen monitoring efforts led by the Crown Land Unit and Planning Department. Where enforcement action is required, the Unit coordinates and supports the joint operational response, helping the relevant agencies address unauthorised development and protect public and private lands across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Social Needs Assessment Survey Initiative

The Social Needs Assessment Survey is a data-driven initiative that gathers vital information on the living conditions, needs, and challenges within informal settlement communities. By establishing a comprehensive socio-economic picture of informal settlement residents and the prevailing conditions, the survey equips policymakers with the evidence needed to develop informed, targeted, and sustainable housing and community development solutions across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Community Outreach Caravan

The ISU's Community Outreach Caravans bring government agencies and community partners directly into informal settlements to deliver free health, social, and educational services to residents. By fostering trust, strengthening relationships, and connecting communities with essential support, the initiative also creates opportunities to engage residents on the ISU's programmes and encourage meaningful participation in initiatives such as the Social Needs Assessment Survey.

Urban Planning

The ISU's Urban Planning sub-project develops evidence-based planning solutions to guide the future of informal settlement communities. Through site assessments, spatial analysis, and conceptual development plans, the programme helps identify practical options for regularisation, redevelopment, and infrastructure improvement, supporting the creation of safer, more sustainable communities.

Youth Outreach Programme

The ISU Youth Outreach Programme empowers young people to become informed advocates for sustainable communities. Through interactive learning, leadership development, and creative engagement, the programme encourages students across the Turks and Caicos Islands to explore the challenges surrounding informal settlements and contribute to shaping a brighter future for their communities. The initiative successfully engaged students from 27 schools and trained 27 Youth Ambassadors in its inaugural year.

Get Involved

Help us to help the communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

If you are aware of any informal settlements, please fill out an anonymous form using the link below.

If you are interested in other ways you can help, feel free to contact us using any of the contact information listed at the bottom of the page.

Together we can build safer, more sustainable communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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