Dear Editor

THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have expressed serious concern over the number of vacant and unattended house lots in the City.
Some of these areas include Agricola, South Ruimveldt, Lacytown and Stabroek. These lots have become an eye sore, since many of them are covered with overgrowths of bushes and weeds. This environment has provided a haven for criminal-minded persons who pounce on unsuspecting citizens, particularly women and children.
Also, overgrowths-covered lands provide an ideal setting for reptiles and adult mosquitoes to live. In addition, some residents have converted these lots into communal dump sites, which facilitates the breeding of rodents. Vacant lots that are covered with overgrowths do not only cause the environment to look unsightly, but are a contravention of the Public Heath Ordinance.
According to the Public Health Ordinance Chapter 145, the owners of all lots shall keep them free from overgrowth of bush weeds and long grasses. Residents who live nearby are forced to clear these lots themselves to protect and preserve their own health and safety. Also, some of the landlords for theses lots cannot be found, therefore, it is imperative that the Council take the necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the environment. The Public Health Ordinance chapter 145 section 66 (-1). posits that, “The owner and occupier of any premises shall at all times keep his premises free from refuse tins, bottles coconut shells, calabashes, bush, weeds and long grass. Keep trimmed, within reasonable number to the satisfaction of the local sanitary authority and free from the breeding or harbouring of mosquitoes, all fruit or other trees, shrubs, hedges and plants of the like nature.”
The Council has commenced cleaning of several vacant lots in the city and the cost incurred would be added to the general rates of such property owners. Town Clerk Royston King said it is imperative that the Council help to safeguard the integrity of the environment, since the Council has a public health responsibility for all citizens of Georgetown. The Council is calling on property owners to help secure the integrity of the local environment by keeping their premises fee of overgrowths and refuse.
Regards
Debra Lewis
Public Relations Officer
M&CC