Belama Residents Petition Government Over Lost Street

Clearing has started on plots in Belama Phase Three, but residents are raising concerns; they say the public street, El Celaso, has been sold off as private property. According to residents, the street is desperately needed for convenience and accessibility in the area, however, the lots that make up the street were sold to private owners about five years ago. Albert Vaughn, P.U.P. Chair for Freetown, says the government has received the residents’ petition to reopen the road and is now exploring ways to resolve the issue. However, residents are beginning to lose hope as development continues to make progress on the land. We asked Prime Minister John Briceño about the situation. Here’s what he had to say.

 

Britney Gordon

“Are you aware of the petition from the residents in Belama to open up El Celaso Lane? That was a street that was surveyed and approved, but it has been sold as private property and they’re asking for that street back.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that’s something that happened under the previous government, and it has come to our attention. I’ve spoken to the DPM and and the DPM is saying their technical people are taking a look to see whether it was road reserve or not. And and then you can take it from there.”

 

 

 

Sergio Alaya, Belama Landowner

“The issue is that the street El Celaso Lane has been taken away from us and we are here to take our stands to try to make sure that the street comes true because it is something that is very needed. Everybody says they have an issue, including me when I come, I have to reverse or turn in my yard. I don’t have a house, so I can do that. But if you have a house in your yard, you cannot do that. So that’s the biggest issue.”

 

 

 

Britney Gordon

“What are you guys being told right now is the reason why it’s not being opened?”

 

Sergio Alaya

“There was never a reason why it wasn’t open, but we needed to open because it will serve the neighborhood. Other than that traffic will always be a big problem.”