The government says it will be firm in dealing with persons who continue to breach the building code.

Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie says a number of persons continue to use unauthorised properties across the country to build in areas vulnerable to disasters.

Mr. McKenzie says there are some 754 residential squatting settlements across the country comprising a population of over 600,000 people.

He says these informal settlements are areas which are prone to flooding, landslides and storm surges.

Mr. McKenzie says the debate on the Building bill which was earlier tabled in parliament will be opened next week to address these issues.