State property cleared to deter illegal activities ahead of new project |26 September 2019

The area after it had been cleared

The site of the former Fiennes Institute, a piece of State land which falls in the Roche Caiman district, has been cleared in preparation for a new housing project.

It is also hoped that this clean-up will put a stop to numerous illegal activities that has been increasing in this area.

The MNA for Roche Caiman, Audrey Vidot, said there have been some discussions between the district authorities and officials from the Ministry of Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport (MHILT) as to the kind of project to put in place on the site.

Ms Vidot noted that the district has put forward different propositions as to the kind of project it would like to see which would be a mix of housing units to benefit the district’s inhabitants as well as provide housing for other groups working in the country as a whole.

Meanwhile as for the ruin of a small chapel adjoining the said site, Ms Vidot said it could also be restored by the concerned authorities to bring more value to the district and in collaboration with the district, it can be agreed on how best to manage it for the benefit of the communities.

Ms Vidot said the district authorities are waiting for the MHILT to come back to them with its concept so they can discuss before seeking the views of people in the district.

Meanwhile Wilbert Omath, the district administrator for Roche Caiman, said the invasive creepers that had taken over the site was also increasingly turning it into an ideal place for illegal activities like hiding stolen goods, drug trafficking, a sleeping abode for some as well as a dumping site for others and this is why the district sought help to clear the site.