THE Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has issued a 14-day enforcement notice to the occupier of an illegal structure erected on a gully reserve in Patrick City, St Andrew, as the municipality intensifies efforts to crack down on unauthorised developments.

On Monday, a KSAMC team led by Mayor Andrew Swaby conducted enforcement activities at a premises located behind Patrick Drive in the Patrick City community. The operation targeted a structure and hoarding that, officials say, obstructs access along a designated gully reserve.

The enforcement — in accordance with sections 45 to 46 of Jamaica’s Building Act 2018, which governs emergency orders issued by local building authorities to protect public safety in hazardous or disaster-prone areas — was part of ongoing efforts by the KSAMC to address breaches and maintain order in the city.

City Engineer Xavier Shavans confirmed that the notice requires the occupier to remove the structure and restore the area within 14 days. The action follows the service of a stop notice under the municipality’s enforcement procedures.

“We have an illegal structure that is here, along with a hoarding that limits and prevents ease of access along the gully reservation,” Shavans said. “The stop notice was served, and we also will serve an enforcement notice requiring the occupier 14 days to make good the space and to dismantle all erection of structure that was put up.”

Shavans warned that the municipality would conduct a follow-up inspection after the notice period expires and proceed with further enforcement measures if the directives are not complied with.

“At the end of the 14 days we will do a follow-up, subsequent to which we will carry out the enforcement activities according to law,” he said.

The city engineer also used the opportunity to urge residents across the Corporate Area to comply with municipal regulations governing land use and construction.

He emphasised that gully reserves play a critical role in drainage management and public safety, noting that encroachments can impede maintenance activities and expose occupants to flood risks during periods of heavy rainfall.

“The gully reserve should be kept free from any impediments, and operators of this facility will put themselves at risk in the event that the water overflows its banks, so it is not wise to encroach on the gully reserve because it is also used as a means to maintain the gully. So, we urge persons who encroach on gully banks and other areas along drain banks to desist from doing so,” Francis said.

Speaking during the operation, KSAMC City Inspector Alrick Francis reiterated the agency’s commitment to preserving public infrastructure and maintaining safe, accessible spaces throughout the municipality.

He urged residents to refrain from building on gully banks, drain reserves, sidewalks, and other restricted areas.

“So this is an appeal to all the residents of Kingston and St Andrew for us to abide by the laws and regulations that govern how we exist within the municipality. We can’t just go around and do erection on roadsides, sidewalks or even gully reserves, because it is there for a reason. The gully reserve is here for a reason, the roadside and sidewalk is here for a reason, and so we are here to ensure that the purpose is maintained,” said Francis.