Residents of the south are making a clarion call for the authority to repair the broken elevator at the National Insurance Building (NIC) in Vieux-Fort.
They say the irritating problem is seriously affecting the elderly and physically challenged, who seek various services at the NIC building.
The problem, which has been in existence for several years now, was fixed over a year ago, but broke down again not too long after it was repaired.
The elderly and those physically challenged struggle to walk up the flight of stairs in the building. Some of them can be seen limping and huddling up the stairs with a sigh and slight grimace.
The NIC building in Vieux-Fort is a four-story building, which houses several government departments, including social services, probation, crown lands, labor, and electoral.
As a result of the situation, the elderly and physically challenged individuals, who seek certain services at the Electoral Department, are taken to the ICT center by staff of the department, where they are attended to.
According to Cyrillia Maxwell, a resident of Vieux-Fort, the problem needs immediate attention.
“Had it been in Castries, the problem would have been addressed a long time ago. The government needs to address our concerns in Vieux-Fort,” she said.
According to Maxwell, she has witnessed the elderly suffering from pain while walking up the stairs in the NIC building.
Another resident said that her father is an elderly man, and struggles to walk up the stairs in the NIS building.
“The problem should have been fixed a long time ago,” the resident said.
The National Insurance Property and Management Company Ltd. (NIPRO) is responsible for the maintenance of the building.
Last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities had announced that it is strengthening efforts to promote meaningful inclusion and long-term support for the differently abled, within communities across Saint Lucia.