Residents of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara have expressed concerns that the large number of abandoned houses in the community could serve as hideouts for criminals and they want government to take action in the matter.
The issue was raised by residents during a farmers’ meeting last Saturday with Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, the Govern-ment Information Agency reported.
The residents explained that over the years several houses were built in the agricultural community but subsequently the buildings were abandoned by their owners.
The issue, GINA reported, has since become a serious security concern since it is believed that criminals could seek refuge in the houses not only because they are abandoned but owing to their distant location in the farmlands.
Residents called for action to be taken to repossess the lands from the owners and dismantle the houses or allow other persons to occupy the buildings.
Residents made reference to an earlier incident where one of the houses was used as a hideout for two runaway teenagers from West Coast Berbice.
According to GINA, Persaud advised that a meeting be held with the owners of the houses, the Community Policing Group, the police and the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the issue.
