PARAMARIBO - The residents who live in and near the Watermolenstraat recently sounded the alarm over the fact that their neighbourhood is no longer safe because of the empty buildings in this street.
Sunil Oemrawsingh recently sent a letter to District Commissioner Ruchsana Ilahibaks to explain that building number 60 and 16 are abandoned but that measures must be taken to prevent crime and fires. He explained that the situation took a drastic turn for the worst after Edward Tjoen Ma Joen, resident of Watermolenstraat
60 passed away. Residents explained that homeless people visit the building at night to use drugs and that they also make fires to cook some food. They also claim that homeless people have also moved into the abandoned building at Watermolenstraat 16 which used to be a bar called ‘Caatje Place’. Oemrawsingh pointed out that he has already discussed the situation with police chief Felter and that he was told that Mister Moenne from Public Green has also been informed of the problem to see which measures could be taken. Residents claimed that there has been increase of thefts in their neighborhood and that the thieves often target their cooking gas cylinders and AC units. Oemrawsingh claimed that he has been targeted by thieves multiple times. Dew Ganpat who runs a clinic next to the Jamaludin Pharmacy also expressed his concern. The residents have also informed the Fire Department Suriname (KBS) of the situation.
Oemrawsingh has contacted R Drielingen from the local fire station located at Knuffelsgracht. The doors of building 60 have been pried open which means that anybody could just walk in and come and go at any time of the day. The residents live in constant fear as they explained that the buildings in the Watermolenstraat are located close to each other and that if a fire breaks out in one of the abandoned buildings, it could spread rapidly and destroy the entire neighborhood. The director of the Academy for Higher Arts and Culture Education (AHKCO), Jane Kolf-Berggraaf, has rented one of the buildings in this street for the AHKCO and has also expressed her concern over the potential danger.
Oemrawsingh pointed out that many residents have expressed their concerns and that measures must be taken to prevent a disaster from happening in the inner city.
