FNM, PLP to blame for defective homes, says Munroe
Nassau, Bahamas - Scores
of Mount Moriah residents, who believe they are victims of shoddy home
construction, flocked to a Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
constituency meeting earlier this week to hear from prominent defense
attorney, Wayne Munroe - the party’s candidate for the area.
According
to Mr. Munroe “defective” government homes were built under the watch
of both the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party,
during its term in office.
The lawyer further
charged that neither the FNM, nor the PLP took action to eradicate the
stench of sewerage permeating parts of Mount Moriah, more specifically
Yellow Elder Gardens.
Pointing to the fact
that successive governments touted ambitious housing programs, Mr.
Munroe said some homeowners were “treated worse than prostitutes”
having to payback thousands of dollars - with interest - for a poorly
constructed home.
“It is as if they try to
buy you with your own money,” he explained. “Home owners pay the
contractors who in turn fund government campaigns and it is that initial
payment that the government uses to buy [your] votes.”
The
attorney said the problem stems from government homeowners not being
allowed to choose their own contractor. To maximize profits some
contractors took shortcuts, which homeowners pay for in the long run, he
said.
One resident attending the meeting
shared that his home flooded because water pipes were not properly
sealed. Brian Albury said he was left to clean-up two inches of water
from his bathroom and living room floor. That wasn't the only defect.
"My
bathroom walls are so thin that when my son was showering, he slipped
and went straight through the shower wall," said Mr. Albury who
purchased his home about seven years ago.
“Every
person in every government home should have decent, non-defective homes
in stench free neighborhoods,” Mr. Munroe told area residents. “After
all this is likely to be the only major asset most Bahamians have to
leave to their children and grandchildren.”
