‘Junk dealer’ establishes questionable operations in Atlantic Gardens

– NDC launches investigation

Residents of Atlantic Gardens are peeved at what appears to be the unlawful establishment of a ‘junkyard’ at Lot 169 Azalea Avenue, Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara.

Guyana Times recently visited the location and saw what appeared to be several dilapidated heavy-duty trucks parked on the Government reserve precariously close to the main roadway and old rotted truck cabins, trays, chassis and other vehicular parts on the once lush green plot.

One visibly upset resident explained that he managed to get the Overseer of the La Bonne Intention/Better Hope Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Shevonne Savory, to visit the site and inspect the operations.

He related that the Overseer confirmed that what was occurring was illegal and the NDC would take steps to have the operations removed.

More than a month later, the situation has gotten worse.

Residents are peeved at the eyesore the business has become, the apparent loss of affluence and value in their properties, as some even questioned whether Atlantic Gardens was still a residential area.

Other residents took the opportunity to lambaste the NDC for not fulfilling its mandate of collecting garbage, weeding the drains and for turning a blind eye to littering in addition to condoning this disgrace.

Upon enquiry, one resident mentioned that the owner of the property upon which the operations was established was only known as “Fat Man” and he owned a spare parts dealership situated opposite Apex School on the Public Road.

Residents are claiming that the ‘junkyard’ would become a haven for thieves and animals, had the potential to be a public health hazard by adding to already unsanitary conditions, while polluting the environment with rubbish, which was already evident on the southern parapet, as well as obstruct traffic and pose a fire hazard through the use of welding torches to cut the metal.

The daily traversing of heavy-duty vehicles was seen as bringing further destruction to the already severely potholed roads and damaged parapets.

Damage to the parapets was clearly visible when Guyana Times visited, as heavy machinery was rolling upon the reserves to manipulate their overweight and over-sized cargo into position.

Investigations

The Overseer who initially visited the site and suspected the operations to be illegal has resigned from her post with the NDC.

NDC Chairman Zamin Shaw, when contacted, explained that an investigation was ongoing into the matter and assured residents that all steps were being taken to address the issue.

Shaw said the NDC was unable to ascertain the owner of the property; however, a notice to clear the roadways was dispatched to a caretaker who often visited the property.

Currently, the NDC is awaiting a response.

Moreover, the Chairman said he was in the process of seeking advice from technical personnel on how to proceed with the matter, since not much substantial information has been gathered on the operations.