THE EDITOR, Sir:
I RECENTLY bought a house in the vicinity of Sunrise Drive and Molynes Road. A few months after I bought the property, a man started putting up a stall (a tacky pink and white one at that) just across the road from my newly acquired house.
Considering that the state must have had a responsibility, I decided I would start with the KSAC. I have since called the KSAC, no fewer than 10 times, but to no avail.
During those contacts, the impression is often conveyed that, either the general staff do not know which, if any, of the departments has responsibility for squatting, or that little or no priority is placed on the issue of squatting. My last attempt was on November 9, when I spoke to a female member of staff, who told me that my complaint would be sent to the Civil Engineering Department for their action. Since then, I have not received any response from that division. Meantime, the squatter continues to build his castle while my hard-earned real investment continues to decline.
The issue of squatting goes far beyond taxes and my own interest. It is directly related to law and order, and hence crime and violence. Since all this is a fundamental responsibility of the state, then the Government has a responsibility to prevent and reduce squatting.
While I appreciate the KSAC's effort, clamping down on illegal garages and the removal of illegal signs, I would suggest that they begin to save the following 'squatter endangered' communities: Pembroke Hall, Patrick City, Arlene Gardens, Washington Gardens, Glendale and possibly Hughenden.
The Government/KSAC must send a clear and firm signal to all squatters in respect of all residential areas and must develop a response team to deal with the scourge. They could begin with preventing the starting up of new squatting activities. A good place to begin would be along that strip, starting at the corner of Shorton Drive and Molynes Road, running east to west along Molynes Road, down to the intersection of Ken Hill Drive and Molynes Road.
I am, etc.,
JOHN BUSCAT
Kingston 20
