A FIRE that erupted mysteriously in an alleyway on Tuesday has sparked deep dissatisfaction among residents of lot 74 Durban and Haley Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.
Expressing concerns over safety and environmental hazards, locals lamented the deteriorating conditions of the once-clean and open space, now cluttered with junk and harboring African bees.

Once a cleaner and more open space, the land is now cluttered with junk and harbors African Bees.
Resident David Wallace eagerly spoke with reporters and explained: “It is my understanding that the property over there, belongs to the Grants… the clumps of bushes that you’re seeing here, was there for a number of years.

It’s been affecting us. There are multiple fires that takes place here very often, plus you have vagrants in the area there. They normally go there cook, set a fire and all sorts of things. Then we get African bees that attack us, and the gutter over there, very untidy.”
According to Wallace, he was in his garage when one of his neighbors raised an alarm of the fire, and they contacted the Guyana Fire Service.

He has sent numerous complaints and messages to officials and the land caretaker, but no action has been taken.
“Some time ago, some trees fell on my veranda. I couldn’t get Mr. Grant to do anything we had to cut it ourselves and it cost about $20,000 to do that, and we’ve never been reimbursed,” he said.

Adding: “I sent a text message to Mr. Grant recently, telling him that those trees, those tall trees if he could get those trees cut because of they fall on the electrical wire it will destroy people’s appliances and cause fire. I’ve never received any response from him.”

“If I wasn’t here today what would have happened? Whenever people go to work and their children gone to school, when they come in the evening their children are playing here. I would like the council and any other institution that are responsible for ensuring this nonsense stop get it done.

My understanding is that the bylaws states that if you fail to keep your surroundings clean they could get it done and put the cost on you. And if you do not want to pay, they put the cost on you,” Wallace stated. He said that roughly 30 children live there with their families.

According to him, the containers on the land contain engines suspected to have diesel belonging to the Grants.
Wallace mentioned that reports were made, but no action is being taken to help the residents.

In the past, the area was well-maintained and kept clean, he remembered. He mentioned a frequently used track that St. Sidwell’s Primary School students often used, located right on the other side of the property. According to him, the owner(s) said it was blocked.
Wallace is urging all relevant authorities to ensure that the owner(s) of the land promptly attend to the maintenance of their property.