LISTEN: PM Says Derelict Buildings Can No Longer Be Allowed to Endanger Communities

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the demolition of derelict buildings across St. John’s and surrounding communities is necessary to protect public safety and restore order, arguing that abandoned structures pose serious fire, health and security risks.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne programme, Browne said the government could no longer tolerate properties that have become hazards to residents and neighbourhoods. “These properties represent a health hazard, a security risk and a fire hazard,” he said, describing them as “literally blights on the landscape.”

Demolition has already begun in St. John’s and other areas as part of a wider effort to address abandoned and unsafe structures. Browne said more than 500 derelict homes have been identified across communities including Point and Villa, Ottos and Yorks.

He noted that many of the properties are owned by individuals who live overseas and have shown little interest in maintaining or redeveloping them. “They live in manicured communities abroad and have left us to contend with these issues here,” Browne said.

While the government has moved to clear dangerous buildings, Browne urged landowners to take responsibility for returning land to productive use. “If you own land in the central business district and you don’t have the money to develop it, partner with someone who does,” he said, encouraging joint ventures and redevelopment rather than abandonment.

He said redeveloping idle land would not only improve safety but also stimulate economic activity and generate income for owners.

From the government’s perspective, Browne said the priority is safeguarding communities while improving the urban environment. “We just could not allow these properties to continue to remain a part of the landscape,” he said.

The demolition programme forms part of broader efforts aimed at urban renewal, public safety and economic revitalisation.

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