Private Lot Versus Government Responsibility?

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A recent community-led cleanup in Fort Charlotte has sparked a wider conversation, as similar overgrown lots and derelict vehicles exist in neighborhoods throughout New Providence.

Clem Richardson – President, Crime Watch Association, Ardastra Gardens II

“It’s illegal dumping today, and it can escalate into something tomorrow, gather up there also to your neighborhood.”

However, according to Environment Minister Zane Lightbourne, once land is privately owned, the responsibility to maintain it rests squarely with the owner.

That includes keeping lots cut, preventing indiscriminate dumping, and ensuring the property does not become an environmental or safety hazard.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister, Environment & Natural Resources

“When it becomes a private lot that is owned by a private citizen, they have an obligation to take care of their property, to keep it cut properly, to make sure there is no litter, and to keep it secure.”

He explains that the Department of Environmental Health, which falls under his ministry, can intervene when properties become serious hazards, sometimes hiring private contractors to clean them up.

Despite this, Lightbourne says those cleanups stretch limited public resources, and are not meant to replace private responsibility.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister, Environment & Natural Resources

“This extends a lot of taxpayers’ resources, and so we try to keep the private owners responsible as within the law, to take care of their property.”

Lightbourne also addressed a concern many residents raise, whether abandoned or derelict vehicles left on private lots fall under government responsibility.

He says in most cases, they do not, and property owners can be cited and taken before the environmental court if they fail to act.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister, Environment & Natural Resources

“Anything that goes on in your yard, unless it’s clearly an intrusion, you’re usually held accountable for it. If it’s vacant and it belongs to you, you should take care of it.”

He adds that while the government prefers cooperation over prosecution, accountability is key to keeping communities safe, clean, and free from crime and health risks.

Lightbourne urges residents who spot problem properties in their communities, to report them to Environmental Health or Urban Renewal,

He also reminds property owners that neglecting private land can come with serious legal and financial consequences.