The city’s demolition of dozens of derelict buildings has been put on hold by the City Engineer’s Department for further consultations with occupants and owners.
City Engineer Colvern Venture told Stabroek News yesterday that they are currently reviewing the list of 52 buildings earmarked to be torn down. According to Venture, several persons made contact with the council and requested time to undertake renovations and possibly relocate. The City Engineer explained that they are working with occupants of the derelict buildings and have granted requested extensions. To date, six persons have requested additional time from the council.
A date has not been given as to when the city will move ahead with the demolitions. Originally, it was supposed to have been from yesterday. Stabroek News has learnt that the old Busta building in Blue Mountain Street, North Ruimveldt would be the first to be torn down as it is a haven for illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the council’s spokeswoman, Debra Lewis told Stabroek News that they would not just be tearing down buildings but also removing the debris. She said that time is needed for preparatory works to be done since they are aiming for a smooth operation that doesn’t affect neighbours or traffic.
She added that the city would like to give owners and occupants of the buildings listed a reasonable time frame to make the necessary adjustments before they move to tear down the buildings. “Some of these buildings are in court and some have family disputes so we want to give time for occupants to make decisions,” said Lewis.
When the city’s plans were unveiled, critics had said that arrangements should have been made for the temporary relocating of those who would have been displaced.
A fee will be applied for the buildings demolished, Lewis said explaining that the council would be adding the fees to the rates and taxes of the owner of the property.
Stabroek News has observed that one of the listed structures, a three-storey building on Upper Robb Street is already being demolished. This newspaper was told that the owner of the property had applied to tear down the building and permission was granted by the City Council. When this newspaper visited the house, work had already begun to tear down the structure.
City Hall, in a page two advertisement in the September 25th edition of the Guyana Times had advised of the planned demolitions. The notice said persons requiring more information could contact the Public Relations Division of the municipality on 225 -2218.
