An across-the-board Stop Notice on all final works on buildings across the Territory is being enforced by the Building Authority.

Chairman of the Building Committee Board, Mr. Tony Scatliffe said the Stop Notice excludes temporary remedial measures for security and protection on buildings that sustained damage due to the passage of Hurricanes Irma or Maria.

He added that it is essential for the safety of the public and to ensure that the rebuilding of the Territory is undertaken in a sustainable and proper manner.

Persons looking to rebuild sections or elements of building structures must first obtain the Building Authority’s permission for all remedial works to be undertaken. The Building Authority has been relocated at the Public Works Department, Baugher’s Bay, and applications shall be reviewed in as timely a manner as possible.

Mr. Scatliffe said, “There have been many instances where persons are looking to replace timber roofs with concrete roofs. This in particular must not be undertaken without the guidance of a qualified structural engineer to ensure the existing walls / columns are able to withstand the forces of earthquakes. Simply placing concrete on a structure could pose a serious risk to occupants.”

Residents are asked to continue to follow all existing processes and to be guided by the laws that are instated for the safety of all through the period of rebuilding.