Spaw, your area is no different from just about every other area in the US. There is a "simple" way to check out what the problem is. (I'm using 'simple' advisedly, because it does take a lot of time but isn't difficult).

Look at the contractors who did the building of the problem places. Now look up the names of the owners of that contracting company. You will have to get the names of the family members, too. Next look at the politicans who were in power positions at the time the contract was signed, and look at the list of contributors to them.

The connection is easy to see.

It is a neat game that they have - "I'll keep you in power if you keep me in business." And by that the builders mean "make sure I'll be doing this same work every few years."