The Mayor and City Council is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of abandoned lots as they are being used as hideouts for criminal elements and threaten the safety of communities.
In a press release the Council said such buildings are often vandalized and are left to deteriorate and collapse jeopardising the safety of nearby buildings and passers-by.
Also, neighbouring persons are forced to weed and clean overgrown vegetation, for their own safety, without compensation. It noted too that unscrupulous persons sometimes use abandoned properties as dumpsites creating public health hazards.
The Council said it has the authority to clear and maintain such lots and to add the cost of such works to the rates of the owners.
However, attempts by the staff at the Public Health Department to locate some home-owners have proven futile. As such the Council is appealing to owners to contact this department to settle their outstanding debts as it may be forced to resort to the courts to resolve these matters as they continue to affect the development of the city.
The Council is also urging citizens to desist from putting boulders and other encumbrances on its parapets and other thoroughfares. It noted that many persons indulge in this practice to prevent motorists from parking or using the parapets outside their residences.
“Not only is this practice a violation of the city by laws but also very dangerous and a serious hazard to pedestrians, who are forced to walk in the way of vehicular traffic,” the release said. It noted too that this practice inhibits motorists who may need to manoeuvre to avoid an accident.
According to the Council the parapets, pavements and other thoroughfares are owned by all citizens and as such no individual has the right to appropriate any such facilities for their personal use.
Anyone who desires to erect any sign at the front of their premises must seek and obtain the approval of the city engineer, the release said.
