The government is moving ahead with its beautification campaign to address the issue of derelict homes across the island.
As previously announced the first target area would be the city and already amenity orders have been issued by the Development Control Authority (DCA). This will continue until all property owners in the area have been notified.
They will be given 28-days to get their affairs in order in terms of dealing with properties to “either demolish or upgrade that property”.
If that does not take place and the time elapses, these homes will be demolished.
Property owners are being urged to reach out to the DCA to prevent this from happening.
It was back in August that government first announced plans for the removal of derelict properties, a move welcomed by many across the island.
In Antigua and Barbuda, there has been a marked increase in public conversation about abandoned buildings that have become eyesores, facilitating health hazards and rodent infestation.
The drive to improve this aspect of the nation’s infrastructure led government to pass legislation making it easier to combat instances of property dereliction. The law allows for the court to grant permission to the government – following notice to the last-known owners – to address any hazards relating to the derelict property. If owners do not comply, the government can forcibly acquire the buildings.
In October, assessments were made to properties by a special DCA team.
Its about time. Irresponsible owners need to do better or face the consequences. Maintenance is like a taboo in the country.
For years police HQ NEEDED an entire lift, not just a face lift, and they did nothing, and they are the government, so now why are you pressuring people that are trying to survive? Did you give yourself 28 days to uplift the country’s clinic, schools, post office, firestations, and police stations?
100% agree
Yes. Good move. Old rotten hones just messing up the ambiance
Where do you see ambience? Do you even know the meaning?
Finally! Some of those old houses in town are falling apart. It’s about time the government did something.
They need to make sure the owners really get the notices. Wouldn’t be fair to tear down someone’s property without them knowing.
So they are not aware their properties in dilapidated conditions?
How much more notice they need. Just demolish them damn homes, they are an eye sore and health hazard
Somebody trying to tief somebody land. Creative enrichment gone next level
100% agreed
I’ve driven in Hodges Bay and have seen some “eye sores”….Some are sitting behind of bushes. Will these be addressed first??
I love this! Is about time. To many unused houses around the place making the environment look ugly. We already have to deal with daily garbage around the place. I mean 28 days is too short, but at the end of the day. Is along time theses houses are there. And no claim or fix up. All the family drama when a family member want to make use of the house and refuse to give it, which is unfair to such persons. So it can go. Maybe person’s will think twice in leaving houses abandoning giving no notice or anything about it.
Me agree with the campaign, but DCA need give people proper chance to fix up. Not everyone have money fi renovate in 28 days
Good initiative, but it would be nice if they consult with community groups before demolition. Some old houses have history and could be restored.
Twenty-eight days period is way too short. Although some people wouldn’t be able to rectify the situation despite the length of time given, the leissez-faire practices exhibited in the past call for regular discussions of the problems which result as a consequence of having these abandoned properties and make the government intentions clearer before bulldozing them.
Twenty-eight days period is way too short. Although some people wouldn’t be able to rectify the situation despite the length of time given, the leissez-faire practices exhibited in the past call for regular discussions of the problems which result as a consequence of having these abandoned properties should make the government intentions clearer before bulldozing them.
28 days isn’t long, but it’s a start. Hopefully, this leads to real action and safer, cleaner neighborhoods for everyone.
I support this 100%. The state of some places downtown shameful. Beautification is not just for tourists is for us too
Ahhh! There it is. The creative enrichment plan is in motion. Who will own those properties in town once taken away by government? Everyone is getting so excited, forgetting who them a deal with.
If we serious about tourism and investment, the capital can’t look like a ghost town. Clean up must happen, full stop
Uninitiated loli po^rn
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I wise the government would give persons who really want homes the opportunity to buy them before they demolished them.
It’s a good move. Some of these derelict houses attract rats, mosquitoes, even squatters. The whole environment suffering
I am not in total agreement with this move but i will leave my opinions to myself
I like the idea, but government should offer a small grant or low-interest loan for those who genuinely want to restore their family homes
Some ah them buildings downtown been empty since me ah small boy. Every election we hear talk, now me glad fi see bulldozer finally coming