Residents of Vieux Fort express concern over safety issues due to unmaintained house lots.

Residents in Vieux-Fort, particularly in areas such as Cedar Heights, Hewanorra Orchard, and Black Bay, have raised concerns about the unkempt house lots in their community. They have noticed that many of these lots are vacant or have incomplete houses, with some properties remaining unoccupied for several years. The owners of these lots, who are St Lucians residing overseas, do not show any interest in maintaining them, even when they visit St Lucia. This neglect has created a threat to the security and health of the residents, as the lots are not fenced and have not been cleaned for well over a decade.

Due to the lack of maintenance by absentee owners, residents have taken it upon themselves to clean up the unkempt lots for their own safety and wellbeing. However, they believe that the responsibility should not fall on them and that the government should step in to address the issue. John Quinlan, a resident of Black Bay, expressed concern about the situation, particularly the security risks posed by the unkempt lots. He believes that the government should implement measures to compel owners to keep their lots clean and maintained, especially in light of the crime situation in Vieux-Fort.

Residents have highlighted specific incidents where the neglected lots have become a haven for criminal activities. Quinlan mentioned an incomplete house in his area where stolen items, such as purses and ID cards, were found, indicating that thieves often frequent the location. Another resident of Cedar Heights pointed out that criminals could potentially hide in the bushes on these lots to commit crimes, further emphasizing the need for action to address the issue. The residents feel that owners should be held accountable for maintaining the cleanliness of their properties, even if they are unable to visit the island regularly.

The residents are urging the government to intervene and address the problem of unkempt house lots in their community. They suggest that the government could clean the lots and bill the owners for the service, ensuring that the properties are properly maintained. With the ongoing security concerns and health risks associated with neglected lots, the residents feel that immediate action is necessary to improve the overall wellbeing of their community. By holding absentee owners accountable for the upkeep of their properties, the residents hope to create a safer and cleaner environment for all residents in Vieux-Fort.

In conclusion, residents of Vieux-Fort are calling on the government to take action against absentee owners who neglect their house lots, leading to security and health risks in the community. By implementing measures to compel owners to maintain their properties, residents believe that they can create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone. The concerns raised by residents highlight the need for proactive solutions to address the issue of unkempt lots in Vieux-Fort, ultimately improving the overall quality of life in the community.