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LAND and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein says his ministry stands ready to assist in any relocation of residents from Piparo, as a UWI research team found the mud volcano was very active and posed a high risk to the nearby community after heightened activity on Christmas Eve, which collapsed roadways, compromised utilities, and partially destroyed at least two homes.

He admitted discussions on relocating residents had not yet begun but assured that if such a decision is made, his ministry would act.

"If there is need for relocation, I would ensure that my ministry is mobilised to see whether or not we have available lands where people can build on. I mean, it would not be an immediate relief because you have to build but we also have the Ministry of Housing and so on. I have under my purview the LSA (Land Settlement Agency), which also has some degree of housing within that portfolio. So if we can provide immediate relief to those residents, I am giving the undertaking that we will, in fact, mobilise resources and do so," Hosein told Newsday during the launch of the bedside birth registration pilot programme at the San Fernando General Hospital on January 1.