2 weeks ago
5
Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
A frustrated San Fernando pensioner is once again appealing to authorities to clean and properly maintain an abandoned lot adjoining her home.
The woman, who has lived at the location since 1999, said the empty parcel of land has been a source of distress for more than two decades.
She said the land is owned by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and claims the agency started construction on the site some years ago but never completed the project.
She complained that the site has become a serious health hazard and security threat, as it has been left to deteriorate, overrun by thick bush and infested with pests.
Cheryl Clarke-Williams has been maintaining the abandoned lot for years, the last time being Christmas 2024.
Now retired and living on a pension, Clarke-Williams said she can no longer afford the extra expense and stress. She said a company quoted $2,400 to cut a large tree in the abandoned lot.
“My companion only have to be jumping the fence to cut the grass. It have snakes … Snakes coming over. Manicou living here. Iguanas living there. Rats living there. Everything living over there, and I constantly have to be spending money,” she said.
Showing marks on her skin, she complained that there is also a mosquito infestation.
Although Penal Debe Regional Corporation would spray from time to time, she said it was no help.
The situation makes her uncomfortable in her own home.
“I am fearful these things could crawl inside my house. Sometimes I see them and hear them on the roof. There are big woodlice running all over my property.”
She recalled that in July 2023, she filed a complaint at the corporation’s Public Health Department and did a follow-up visit, and they indicated they would contact HDC. But, to date, she has had no feedback. Despite numerous attempts, she said she has been unable to contact HDC on the phone. “The line always busy,” she added.
Clarke-Williams, who has undergone a double knee replacement and a spinal surgery, said she can no longer deal with this stress. “I just get tired of it now. I wish I could put some fire here, to be honest. I want to tell them to take care of their property. It is theirs. I cannot afford to use my little pension to pay people to clean up a lot of land that is not mine.”
The woman said she couldn’t tell who might be hiding in the bushes to attack her, especially at night. “I just fed up.”
Responding to Clarke-Williams’ concerns, HDC reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being of all residents and assured that a prompt investigation would be launched into the matter.
HDC noted that once the property in question is confirmed to fall under its remit, appropriate maintenance measures will be taken to address the issue and prevent any future recurrence. They thanked Clarke-Williams for bringing the matter to their attention.
English (US) ·