EDITOR, The Tribune

Please allow a tax paying Bahamian citizen a space within your news outlet to voice a few concerns. With a heavy and frustrated heart, I write to you with regards to the home I have purchased through the Ministry of Housing within the last housing exercise. This home that I have counted as an asset has over the few short years become a liability.

My family and I have been experiencing plumbing and sewer blockage for years. The Ministry of Water and Sewerage has made several visits to the property, sometimes once a year to rectify this issue to no avail. Due to this, I was made aware that a plumber’s report was needed for the Ministry of Housing. This report was submitted about eight years ago.

Since then, my sewage issue has worsened and not addressed. The issue became larger than the ones sent to correct it. An open hole with a pipe that has been cut by Water and Sewerage remains open to this day. February of this year, The Ministry paid a visit to clear the blockage. The representative informed me that they would not return due to the extensiveness of the issue; because of the valve being open, septic waste now flows onto my neighbour’s property.

I have contacted the Ministry of Housing and the Chief Housing Officer who has sent an official inspector and a few contractors to assess the situation. Since August and at this present time I have yet to receive any response; no updates, no phone calls, nothing of the sort. An environmental officer was dispatched with the intent of completing a follow up report, who also assured me that this matter would be addressed and I would be informed of the contents of the letter.

To this date, I have not received a follow up from any of the Ministries involved. My neighbour now has an influx of insects on her property and is no longer able to open the door to her home. My concern is not only for my family, but also for the families surrounding us. Once again, another letter has been issued to the Chief Housing Officer, this time by my neighbour, to express her corresponding response. One month later we are still waiting.

My home has now gotten to a state where it is hazardous and unlivable. Two of my family members have fallen sick with sudden chest pains and headaches. We are unable to sleep on the eastern side of the home. Our water supply carries a foul odour in the early mornings and the rooms are now septic. Thus, we are now subject to purchasing water for daily usage. The member of parliament for my constituency was made aware and stopped by to document those things to which I now relay to you. This representative now is also waiting to speak to the individual(s) that would be able to appropriately assist, including the Minister of Environment and Housing. Also to present my concerns to parliament.

I am afraid and concerned for the well being of my family living in such a state. This situation has not been treated with the decency and respect that it ought to have been. My family and I cannot continue in these conditions as well as the neighbouring homes around us.

It would be appreciated if this situation be looked into, for we are in constant fear of cholera or other related diseases.

The holidays are upon us, where do I go with my family and what must I do?

Thank you for a chance to voice my concerns in your publication.

AFRAID & FRUSTRATED

Nassau

November 12, 2019.