FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, August 28, 2023 –The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has granted a “brief extension” to the Condominium Board of Lucayan Towers South to comply with the 30 days final notice to address “longstanding code violations and serious safety hazards” that were brought to the attention of the Building and Development Services Department (BDS) of the GBPA.
In a statement released today, the GBPA acknowledged that it has received a “Proposed plan of Structural and Related Works to the Condominium Building”.
“We have reviewed the proposed plan and items of concern have been highlighted and communicated to the Board for their immediate attention and response to which GBPA will grant a brief extension,” the statement said. “However, the GBPA reiterates that it will not compromise when it comes to the safety of the occupants of Lucayan Towers South and will continue to take the necessary and required action to ensure that they have access to a safe and hazard-free place to live.”
Following is the full text of today’s GBPA statement:
On July 14, 2023, as a result of longstanding code violations and serious safety hazards, the Building and Development Services Department (BDS) of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), issued a Final Notice to the Condominium Board of Lucayan Towers South. The notice stipulated that the Board had 30 days to present otherwise GBPA would have no alternative but to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the families and residents of the condominium.
GBPA acknowledges that it has received a “Proposed plan of Structural and Related Works to the Condominium Building”. We have reviewed the proposed plan and items of concern have been highlighted and communicated to the Board for their immediate attention and response to which GBPA will grant a brief extension. However, the GBPA reiterates that it will not compromise when it comes to the safety of the occupants of Lucayan Towers South and will continue to take the necessary and required action to ensure that they have access to a safe and hazard-free place to live.
In the initial statement on July 14, the GBPA expressed grave concern about the serious nature of safety violations at Lucayan Towers South.
“We have heard the cries and concerns of the families and residents that reside at Lucayan Towers South and have worked with them, and for them, to have several code violations and serious safety hazards addressed by the Condominium Board,” the statement said. “We have exhausted every avenue to appeal to …have the Board address the growing number of risks, like deteriorating balconies and handrails, the inoperable fire pump and tank system, and the defective exhaust fans on the roof of which are required for ventilation of the hallways and laundry rooms. Not to mention the defective elevator that limits mobility for residents, especially the elderly and those with health issues.”
The statement added: “Unfortunately, to date these critical items have yet to be remedied and so we have issued a Final Notice to the Board in which they have 30 days to present a tangible plan of action, or we will have no other alternative than to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy.”
