Government is on top of maintenance problems in Prospect, according to Housing Minister Senator David Burch.

And he said residents were being used as election pawns by the Opposition after they went public with UBP candidates to air concerns on Tuesday.

Residents of Cedar Park, Mary Victoria and Alexandra Roads claim Bermuda Housing Corporation is failing to act over the poor conditions of two units it manages.

Sen. Burch said: "It is unfortunate they have allowed themselves to be the pawns in the political process, during what is clearly the silly season, however, we will not be duped into disrespecting the genuine concerns of these residents for partisan political gain."

He said 95 people had signed a petition wanting road paving, working street lights, residents' parking, noise enforcement and rules about dog ownership.

Sen Burch said the properties are lease hold on a 99-year lease.

"We are proposing to convert these properties to freehold which means they will own the properties forever.

"We think this is a good thing and with ownership comes responsibility.

"Government - having provided affordable housing for purchase - cannot be expected to maintain those same properties forever."

However, he agreed before the conversion to freehold, the Bermuda Housing Corporation should honour its maintenance commitment.

He said painting contracts for Fenton's Drive and Murray Apartments have been awarded with work starting yesterday at the Flat Top apartments on Alexandra roads and set continue for the next several weeks on all the buildings in this complex.

"All of us, being painfully aware of the challenges in the past with painting contracts, will also individually monitor the progress."

He said since January 2003 Government had done a study of complaints, conducted site visits and talked with key locals and landscapers to ensure full landscaping was done.

Roof leaking, mildew and mould within several homes were the most pressing problems and a strategic approach was being taken to roof coatings with over half of the flat top roofs done said Sen Burch. He said the project is set to be completed by the end of this month.

"We have noted a 90 percent drop in the number of roof leak complaints.

"Exterior walls are now being sealed by contractors, following that the entire Mary Victoria and Alexandra road buildings will be painted.

East End Asphalting is scheduled to commence paving on July 7 said the Minister.

"The entrance has recently been cleared of trash and debris, including BHC towing a way an abandoned car and an old ten foot shipping container.

"Fences have been erected to stop trespassers passing through the property.

"More lighting in the area is needed, however we note that some residents are stealing electricity from the light poles and this is not only dangerous but illegal."

Some of the nuisance congregations included children of residents said the Minister.

He said homeowners paid a bargain $50 monthly maintenance fee which covered water, sewage and landscaping that had not increased for more than 20 years.