|
Call for end to construction near Pitons |
|
|
|
|
Monday, 01 September 2008 |
CASTRIRES – The St. Lucia government is being urged to stop the construction of houses, by an Italian businessman, on an area situated between the island's world famous Piton Mountains.
The St. Lucia National Trust and the St. Lucia Archaeological and Historical Society have expressed "deep concern" over the project being undertaken on private property, noting that in 2004 the Pitons area was declared a World Heritage Site.
"The property which is relatively steep sloping has been stripped of nearly all vegetation. It is also north of a small watercourse near to which important Amerindian artifacts have been discovered. No soil conservation measures such as silt traps or drains appear to have been utilized," they said in a joint statement.
"Further, it appears that land adjoining the property, but not owned by the developer, has also been cleared of vegetation," it added.
The two environmental groups said that the development negatively impacts the World Heritage Site as exposed soil can now be more readily washed away, causing further erosion and land degradation, damage to coral reefs, and variation to existing water courses which may jeopardize the archaeological remains.
They said that the actions of the developer were "a clear indication of his deliberate and outrageous disrespect for the integrity of the Pitons Management Area (PMA), in particular, and its importance to St. Lucia in general”.
“We urge the authorities to take strong action to ensure the developer obeys the laws of St. Lucia and respect our island’s priceless archaeological and natural heritage,” the statement noted.
PMA manager Henix Joseph said the construction was being undertaken by an Italian businessman, who is reported to be constructing villas for expatriates.
"Several weeks ago they were asked to cease the construction but paid no attention to that order, as far as I see it is just blatant disrespect for the laws of the land," Joseph said.
Director of the St. Lucia National Trust Bishnu Tulsie confirmed that the Development Control Authority had received no application for the development and this was clearly against the Physical Planning Act.
"We are concerned that this development may cause St. Lucia to lose its World Heritage status, as the development is taking place within the World Heritage Site and as part of the conditions for the designation guidelines must be adhered to for development and there are no building zones," he said.
"Government has committed to maintaining the World Heritage status; it is a source of pride for St. Lucia and we feel that the authorities need to be more vigilant in the way developments take place within the PMA," he said.
|
News 
