Fisheries Division sets October 28 deadline to remove abandoned vessels and vehicles

Owners of abandoned fishing vessels, vehicles and fishing equipment at the Point Wharf Fisheries Complex have until October 28 to remove their property or face possible enforcement action as authorities prepare for a major clean-up of the facility.
The Fisheries Division issued the final notice on October 13, warning that all derelict or abandoned items must be removed at the owners’ expense.
The clean-up will be undertaken with assistance from the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the Central Board of Health and the Development Control Authority.
According to the division, several letters and public notices dating back to 2020 have informed owners of the intention to clear the facility of abandoned vessels, vehicles and fishing equipment.
The division cited the Litter Control and Prevention Act, No. 3 of 2019, which defines waste to include abandoned or derelict vehicles, boats and fishing vessels.
Under Section 13 of the Act, local authorities may issue notices requiring owners to remove derelict vehicles from public places within 24 hours where they are considered a nuisance, contribute to environmental degradation or deface the surroundings.
The division also referred to Sections 34 and 47 of the Physical Planning Act, No. 6 of 2003, under which the Town and Country Planner may issue an enforcement notice or draft an amenity order for submission to the relevant authority to facilitate the removal or disposal of abandoned property.
Chief Fisheries Officer Ian Horsford, who signed the notice, urged owners to comply with the deadline as part of efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment at the complex.
Anyone seeking further information may contact the Fisheries Division at 462-1372 or 462-6106, or visit its office at the Point Wharf Fisheries Complex.