By Leonard GildarieLast week, we examined a rather vexing issue, at least from my perspective, on what was perceived as one of the biggest problems facing housing schemes at the moment.For those who missed the edition, it had to do with the rapid deterioration of the little side streets and new roads in these schemes, mainly because of carelessness and little attention to regulations.This problem is caused predominantly by what is now confirmed as the illegal dumping and storage of sand and building materials on these structures and the use of heavy trucks on roads that cannot accommodate them.For those unable to immediately comprehend the situation, there are a few facts to consider.Potholed roads are one of the biggest turnoffs for new homeowners. Not only does it not look welcoming, but taxis and drivers are more times than not unwilling to traverse the area.Mixing cement on the roadway can attract a daily fine of $10,000.It also reduces the value of your home and that cool look resident areas acquire.There are quite of number of beautifully kept housing areas in Guyana. One I have always admired is at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The tree-lined avenues and clean parapets are something that all Guyanese should wish for. I love that quiet, exclusive look.During the past week, we received quite a number of calls and emails on the issue raised.The Ministry of Housing also announced that the matter has been one posing a major headache for the policy makers. With hundreds of millions being spent to upgrade the roads to paved ones, it is no wonder.As a matter of fact, the Ministry as part of the conditions for allocating house lots has now placed it in writing,Deion Jones Falcons Jersey, forbidding what they termed as the misuse of roads and its “shoulders”.These new allocation letters are being sent since around July, I was told.“These are not new regulations. We have them. But we decided that because of the problems that it should be made more prominent and we are taking actions,” a senior housing official told Kaieteur News.I managed to secure a copy of the letter which house lot allottees in the new lands behind Eccles have been receiving.It is an interesting read.It speaks of new house lot owners having to build within a six-month period, a clause that is contained in the agreement of sale made between them and the Housing Ministry.“The infrastructural development in the scheme, to date, has incurred a huge cost to the CH&PA and we would appreciate that the residents of the scheme endeavor to maintain the level of infrastructure installed, in particular,NFL Jerseys Cheap China, the massive road network within the area, as construction of your houses takes place on the land. Concomitantly, we would advise allottees to inform their contractors not to misuse the roads or road shoulders in the area,Throwback Jerseys,” the Ministry’s letter said.The Ministry warned that there should be no storage of material,Deion Sanders Falcons Jersey, including earth, sand, stone, blocks, cements, timber,NBA Authentic Jerseys, steel, on the roads and the road shoulders.There should also be no mixing of concrete on the roads and the road shoulders and heavy trucks (twin steer, 20 tonnes) are not allowed drive on them.The Ministry also said that it will be monitoring, and that persons will be charged a $10,China Jerseys Cheap,000 penalty per day for destroying the infrastructure.It was also recommended that smaller trucks be used for the delivery of materials.Additionally, a space right on the land must be found to store raw materials and for the mixing of concrete.From my own experiences and from talking to contractors and homeowners, there are a number of reasons for storing materials on the streets.If it is taken onto the actual building site, there is a cost attached – workers will have to be paid to fetch it in. Contractors also said that the worksite space is made much smaller with the materials. Additionally, to create a working area to mix concrete and conduct other works will cost more money.Like we said last week, it is a rather stupid problem to have. Home owners should not have to think twice to protect their roads. We all have a duty to demand that the correct thing is done.Owning your home is not confined to the fenced-in area. It also includes the neighbours, the street, the schools and everything else.Maybe there is a need for an attitude change, not to tolerate the breaking of laws and for us to be a little prouder of this country- after all, we own a part of it.Enjoy your weekend and as usual, call us at 225-8491 or send us your thoughts at [email protected] |