Gulfstream housing complex ‘regularly cleaned’
Communal areas of an East End housing complex slammed for unsanitary conditions are regularly cleaned, a government representative said yesterday.
The spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works said that the Bermuda Housing Corporation employed professional cleaners to take care of the common areas of the Gulfstream, in St David’s.
He added: “This is done at least three days per week.”
The spokesman said that programmes were also in place to provide assistance in “housekeeping, cleanliness, personal hygiene and money management”.
He was speaking after a story appeared in The Royal Gazette yesterday about one resident’s concerns about health and safety problems in the building.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said that repeated complaints about “deplorable conditions” at Gulfstream had been ignored.
She said that she had found dead rats in the shared kitchens in the building.
The woman said that the building also had several safety problems, including security cameras and emergency doors that do not work properly.
The ministry spokesman said that “manned security and CCTV cameras” were used at Gulfstream.
He added: “BHC also maintains a satellite office on site to address any issues that may arise.”
The spokesman said that the BHC has been “challenged recently with a number of families simply refusing to correct their disruptive behaviour”.
He added: “[This] is making it more difficult for those residents who actually follow the rules to enjoy the accommodations.
“Some residents are not meeting their financial commitments, which is taking opportunities away from persons that really could use a helping hand.
“This environment is unique in the Bermuda context as families from all walks of life are being housed together.
“Not surprisingly, in a facility of this size, it is inevitable that from time to time conflict will arise, resulting in disputes among residents.”
The spokesman said: “The BHC remains committed to addressing any issues brought to their attention and has a zero-tolerance policy for those who chose not to abide by the rules.”