A Supreme Court judge has reportedly given the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) the green light to demolish two unauthorised buildings in Elletson Flat, St Andrew. For too long, developers have ignored zoning laws, engaged in unsafe construction activities, created traffic congestion, and destroyed the aesthetics of communities without being punished.

Homeowners, too, are often guilty of code violations, which result in water leakage, gaping holes in the road surface and nuisance debris. Although there was talk of the KSAC enforcing revocable bonds to ensure that developers could not easily walk away after committing breaches, the violations are evident all around the city.

This recent court order should send a loud signal to prospective developers that the KSAC is earnestly seeking to strengthen enforcement against building-code violators and that the consequences could be severe.

The developers of the Elletson Flat complex argued that they were trying to help out students who are unable to find reasonable accommodation in the area. The fact that students were being targeted is all the more reason for them to place priority on the safety of would-be residents. Unsuspecting occupants of flawed housing could pay with their lives. And there can be no tolerance of code violators.

For sure, the developers will be distraught to see their investment reduced to rubble. However, they have no one to blame but themselves. They chose to ignore the cease work order and did not seek the correct permits, nor did they try to fix the violations. We feel sure that the KSAC is more inclined to work with investors to fix problems than to demolish buildings.

illegally erected structures

According to the judge's order, the building has to be demolished by January 8, 2010. We can recall two other instances when the KSAC secured demolition orders for illegally erected structures in the nation's capital. Many years after Mayor Desmond McKenzie made a loud hue and cry about it, the five-storey parking monstrosity in New Kingston continues to be an eyesore in the centre of the capital's main commercial centre. It has become a haven for vagrants, who can be seen hanging out there. And as far as we are aware, the mayor has set no timetable for demolition to take place.

decisive action needed

There is also the illegal bowling alley on South Avenue, which was the subject of a lengthy legal battle between the KSAC and the developer. And even after the KSAC was declared the victor, the property is still intact. The KSAC must take decisive action against offenders because this is the strongest deterrent against new breaches.

We laud the KSAC's efforts to get some order into a city which is threatening to descend into chaos. It is a relief to know that municipal officials are displaying the kind of energy and grit that are necessary to run a city such as ours. The KSAC has our wholehearted support in these efforts. And while it shines the spotlight on building-code violators, it should also ensure that fire and fire-safety measures are strictly observed by operators of public facilities. Those who are not compliant should be shut down.

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