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Derelicts watching the derelicts?

Jun 13, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot always knew that one day, unfortunately, the derelict building at the corner of Hadfield and Smyth Streets, would collapse.

It was a disaster waiting to happen. Fortunately, no one was injured. I am surprised that its eventual collapse wasn’t earlier. In passing that intersection ever so often, I shuddered to think that the building was actually inhabited by so many.
I can only speculate that if the occupants were renting, and given their numbers, it might have been easier to move to another building. The newspapers are inundated with advertisements for buildings to be rented. In this scenario, given the deterioration over the years, one would have expected the landlord to execute the necessary repairs.
If the occupants are the owners, again I am speculating, then the onus would have been upon them to ensure that their place of habitation was safe. In this scenario, the argument of affordability to facilitate the repairs can be made.
I am not in anyway trying to bring the now distraught and inconvenienced occupants into disrepute. Only they know the reasons as to why they continued to inhabit an unsafe building. I am sure they would have been aware of the dangers they were exposed to in living there.
If it is any consolation, it is that the collapse could have been worse in relation to serious injuries that could have been sustained. Having said all of this, the Parrot cannot help question the role of the Mayor and City Council over the years regarding this and the many other derelict buildings that highlight the city landscape. What were they doing all this time?
The collapse of the building in question has led to the revelation in the press that some one hundred and forty such buildings are in the city, posing danger not only to the occupants but also to others. Isn’t the M&CC tasked with inspecting buildings regularly?
If I am wrong then I stand corrected. Why is it all of a sudden after the collapse of this building that efforts to “rid” the city of other derelicts seem to be intensified? If this is so, then something had to happen for action to be taken? People could have been killed for crying out loud!
The Parrot is of the strong opinion that the M&CC cannot escape blame for such situation. I suggest that an immediate investigation be launched to reveal the actions, or lack thereof, regarding derelict buildings. I am sure that if one is conducted I will hear for those derelicts that are abandoned, that the owners cannot be contacted since they are overseas, hence, the M&CC “hands are tied”.
Don’t their records show who are paying property tax and who are not? Shouldn’t “red flags” be “raised” when defaulters are found? Isn’t there a time limit that allows the council to “act” after lengthy periods of defaulting? I am sure there is. I hope I am not harsh in saying this, but, should I believe that the inaction against derelict buildings may be as a result of a derelict council? Squawk! Squawk.

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