A list of 38 derelict buildings dating back from 2009 to present has not been demolished by City Hall even though they are a fire hazard and a threat to life and property.
The Guyana Fire Service said in statement recently that it is concerned that the body responsible for the demolition of dangerous buildings in the city has paid little or no attention to its submission of derelict buildings in the city. It also said that since 2009 buildings were inspected and photographed and the City Engineer’s Department was informed of the eminent danger and fire hazard that these buildings create.
The fire service said it was once again echoing concerns and looking forward to working with the City Council to eliminate these serious and life threatening structures.
When contacted on the issue, Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, to whom Fire Chief Marlon Gentle had written as recent as earlier this month, said the matter will be discussed at the next City Works meeting that is scheduled for some time this week, after which the necessary course of action will be proceeded with.
Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, when invited to comment on the issue, said that there are several challenges facing the city in carrying out the demolition exercises. He said that the process is an ongoing one and some of the difficulties include bureaucratic challenges, finding the owners of the properties and the fact that some of the buildings are occupied.
Green said that they treat the buildings that are occupied from a humanitarian perspective by not breaking down the structures.
Public Relations Officer of the Council Royston King said that the demolishing of buildings is done at a cost which has to be borne by the owner.
He said if they do not find the owners of the properties then that cost will have to be taken care of by the council, hence the need to find the owners.
King also added that some of these buildings are used for criminal purposes by various persons who would hide in them and pounce on passersby.
Numerous reports from persons living next to these structures have said that that the occupants of such buildings are a nuisance to their respective communities, he stated.
Included on the list are the old Bedford Methodist School near Bourda Market, Kitty Market, the infamous Globe Yard as well as buildings in Kingston, Wortmanville, Werk-en-Rust, Charlestown, Alberttown, Lodge, Lacytown and Cummingsburg.
