Prime Minister Gaston Browne has suggested that owners of derelict buildings in St John’s and other urban areas exchange their land for rural plots, in a bid to revitalise city neighbourhoods.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Mr Browne urged absentee owners, especially those living overseas, to cooperate with the government in tackling eyesores and safety risks.
“We can do a swap. We can swap your parts of land in a rural area. So you don’t have to worry about upkeep. But you have a built-up area in St. John’s where people are living. You can’t expect to have your old [derelict] property creating all kinds of security and health problems for the people,” he said.
The Prime Minister argued that freeing up neglected urban properties would accelerate housing construction, noting there is strong demand for residential land in the capital.
“If they can free up the land, there are many people who are looking for properties within St. John’s. I’m quite sure that we can dispose of those pretty quickly and it will help to accelerate the amount of homes that we construct,” he added.
The proposal forms part of a broader effort to improve the country’s appearance, alongside new anti-litter measures and legislation targeting derelict properties.
