Abandoned, dilapidated buildings being demolished in clean-up

Yesterday, one such building was levelled at Juman Compound, Morvant by corporate citizen, Namalco Group of Companies.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kazim Hosein, who witnessed the demolition, told Newsday that boroughs, corporations and regions have been asked to identify dilapidated, abandoned buildings for demolition.

The removal of waste, Hosein said, was not only a public health issue, but it was meant to inculcate volunteerism and a community spirit among citizens.

Demolishing abandoned buildings, he said, could help to reduce criminal activities in an area and make it safer.

Hosein was thankful to corporate and ordinary citizens, including State entities like the army, police, and sport clubs, for the part they have played and will continue to play in the campaign. Mention was made of the police youth clubs, Milat and Mypart that cleared an unauthorised scrap yard in Laventille.

The campaign, which began in Diego Martin three weeks ago, continued in Port-of-Spain, and in San Juan/Laventille over the past week - continues in Chaguanas over the coming weekend.

In Diego Martin, Hosein said, over 80 derelict vehicles were removed and over 100 in San Juan/Laventille.

In addition, thousands of tyres were disposed.

Over 2,500 volunteers in San Juan/ Laventille took part in the activity.

“Million of dollars in equipment have been offered to us by the business community and volunteers to help clean up Trinidad, and we are using them all,” Hosein said.

They include backhoes, excavators, mini-excavators, trucks, skid equipment, and 40-foot trucks.

While he could not estimate the cost of the campaign, he said, Government was basically providing water and snacks for volunteers and most of the labour and removal costs are being borne by the corporate community. However, an estimate of costs will be provided by the corporations at the end of the campaign.

Admitting that he did not expect such an overwhelming response from the business community, Hosein said, “Over the years, they have benefitted from the growth of the economy, and now that it is down, they are coming out every weekend to give back to the country. The country needs them.”