Dear Editor,
From all indications, the island is yet again suffering from severe drought conditions, having experienced similar conditions last year.
Whatever the named phenomenon or cause, what is true is that our weather patterns appear to be changing or have changed. This time of the year, not so long ago, for instance, we would be experiencing regular rain, the extent of which would even lend to flooding in some instances.
The "new" weather patterns notwithstanding, our developmental efforts have contributed much to this reality. The manner in which we go about developing the country is largely flawed and efforts must be made to pass the new building code to provide for more structured and orderly development as obtains elsewhere.
The Corporate Area, for instance, has undergone extensive housing and commercial developments over the years, but equal consideration has not been given to the establishment of at least another water catchment facility to complement the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam, nor attention paid to the possible expansion of one or both facilities to better meet the greater demand. The Government must move to correct this problem.
Additionally, the Government should consider, under the new development code, mandating every newly built house to be equipped with a water tank or such water catchment facility, regardless of the existence of water access through the National Water Commission. For existing houses not so equipped, homeowners should be encouraged to consider such water catchment facilities.
Homeowners, whether through voluntary efforts or through Government mandate, should be granted property tax rebates for the erection of such facilities. Property tax rebates should be given only to tax compliant homeowners, though every effort must be made to require all property owners to pay their property taxes or face serious consequences, including possible liens on property for non-compliance.
While at it, property tax rebates should be afforded to homeowners who install alternative energy means in their homes. While some property taxes may be given up, the national good is naturally further advanced by such an undertaking.
Kevin KO Sangster
sangstek@msn.com
Give property tax rebates for water and energy solutions
-->
From all indications, the island is yet again suffering from severe drought conditions, having experienced similar conditions last year.
Whatever the named phenomenon or cause, what is true is that our weather patterns appear to be changing or have changed. This time of the year, not so long ago, for instance, we would be experiencing regular rain, the extent of which would even lend to flooding in some instances.
The "new" weather patterns notwithstanding, our developmental efforts have contributed much to this reality. The manner in which we go about developing the country is largely flawed and efforts must be made to pass the new building code to provide for more structured and orderly development as obtains elsewhere.
The Corporate Area, for instance, has undergone extensive housing and commercial developments over the years, but equal consideration has not been given to the establishment of at least another water catchment facility to complement the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam, nor attention paid to the possible expansion of one or both facilities to better meet the greater demand. The Government must move to correct this problem.
Additionally, the Government should consider, under the new development code, mandating every newly built house to be equipped with a water tank or such water catchment facility, regardless of the existence of water access through the National Water Commission. For existing houses not so equipped, homeowners should be encouraged to consider such water catchment facilities.
Homeowners, whether through voluntary efforts or through Government mandate, should be granted property tax rebates for the erection of such facilities. Property tax rebates should be given only to tax compliant homeowners, though every effort must be made to require all property owners to pay their property taxes or face serious consequences, including possible liens on property for non-compliance.
While at it, property tax rebates should be afforded to homeowners who install alternative energy means in their homes. While some property taxes may be given up, the national good is naturally further advanced by such an undertaking.
Kevin KO Sangster
sangstek@msn.com
Give property tax rebates for water and energy solutions
-->