Abandoned homes, derelict vehicles and other uninhabited buildings which have in many cases become the headquarters of criminals, became the target of an aggressive campaign, which seeks to reduce the level of crime and anti-social behaviour in inner city areas.
This onslaught kicked off yesterday with the demolition of the abandoned wash house on Meadow Street, in the Bain Town constituency. Prime Minister Perry Christie was present at the site.
Some other areas that will be targeted include St. Cecilia, Kemp Road and Chippingham.
"Knocking down these old buildings and taking away abandoned vehicles in areas such as this has a dramatic affect on the quality of life that is provided for the residents of the area," Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson said.
"We literally run the criminals out of the area. We will be going out and taking away the spaces from the criminals who want to wreak havoc on our residents, particularly females of this country who can not sleep in peace because criminals are trying to rape them and pull them out of their houses," he said.
This campaign stems from the "very successful" Farm Road Project which highlighted the unsatisfactory characteristics of the physical environment of that area, which included the dilapidated and abandoned structures, derelict vehicles, overgrown properties, and unhygienic toilet facilities.
"There are literally hundreds of houses similar to this that we are going to go after, with the cooperation of the Minister of Housing and the Minister of Public Works, who are fully committed. The prime minister led the way this morning by giving us the mandate and the leadership in order that we can go after all of these places. We will use all the tools available to us in the legal framework to deal with this situation," Commissioner Farquharson said.
Prime Minister Christie said the police have indicated that where these buildings have been destroyed there has been a significant decrease in criminal activities.
"Even though the primary motivation is to improve the quality of life for the persons who live in the area, a by-product is by so doing we are improving also that kind of behaviour that has led to so many people being distressed. This is a programme that we are dedicated to," Mr. Christie said.
According to Housing Minister Shane Gibson, his ministry is in the process of refurbishing homes whose roofs are falling in, and have outside bathroom facilities.
"We are developing a policy now that at the end of the day no matter what, we have to go and give assistance to those persons in need. What we want to do is not only continue this programme here in Nassau, but throughout all of the Family Islands. We have already identified and had assessments in the West End constituency; we have already identified and sent in a surveyor to do an assessment in Dunmore, Long Island; we have already ordered materials to be shipped out to Salina Point, Acklins, we will be giving those persons assistance that they have been crying for, for years now," Minister Gibson said.
By Keva Lightbourne, The Nassau Guardian
