NATIONAL OFFICE OF DISASTER SERVICES

Director of the National Office of Disaster Services Philmore Mullin is taking issue with the failure of authorities to prosecute violators of Antigua & Barbuda’s building regulations.

“Those agencies that have the responsibility to enforce certain pieces of legislation need to step up to the plate and deal with the perpetrators when they’re caught,” Mullin said. “I am amazed at how much breach of the law you see on a daily basis, in construction and other areas of development and I am yet to see or hear of anyone being prosecuted.”

The Development Control Authority had admitted to failures in ensuring compliance. Chairman Sylvester Brown said inadequate resources have hampered policing efforts.

“We are woefully lacking in many, many areas. You just look around the country and you could see that we do not have that sense of discipline in terms of adhering to building codes and procedures,” he said. “Look at the amount of developments that have sprung up here and there, where people build without permission. There is a great need for attention to be paid to this area.”

Mullin said the relevant legislation is being reviewed, and will only receive minor changes. He wants greater collaboration between government agencies to assist in carrying out their functions.

“There have been some efforts made in the past where you have one or more government agency collaborating to share the cost and to get certain things done. That is good, (but) it’s not enough,” the NODS Director added.