Urban and Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner says he will propose an extension of the notice period for owners of derelict lots in St John’s, as government intensifies efforts to tackle unsightly and hazardous properties in the city.
Turner, speaking on the initiative, revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with multiple agencies—including the St John’s Development Corporation, the Health Department, Solid Waste Management, and Public Works—to identify and address problem lots on a phased basis.
“We’re targeting the lots that have dilapidated, garbage-filled facilities where you have rats and just vagrancy,” Turner said. “We’re going to issue orders of compliance, ask the owners to tidy up the property. If it’s something that needs to be demolished, demolish what needs to be demolished.”
He noted that while current legislation allows for a 30-day compliance notice, he will recommend extending this to 60 days to ensure fairness and encourage voluntary action from property owners.
“I don’t want anybody to say that we’re being unfair. So I’m proposing that we would give at least a 60-day notice… to either come in and get some assistance or to at least start the process,” Turner stated.
The move comes amid rising concerns about health hazards and urban decay in parts of the capital. Turner described the state of some abandoned buildings as unacceptable, noting they are overrun with garbage and vermin.
“If you look in some of these buildings, there’s so much garbage they give cooks competition,” he said.
According to Turner, the government is also exploring the use of amenity orders and notices through public gazettes for properties owned by individuals who have migrated and are difficult to locate.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve urban cleanliness, public safety, and city aesthetics.
