Golding cites neglect for collapsed stairs on ‘Gov’t-owned’ high-rise

The community of Torrington Park in South St Andrew was rocked when a section of what has been described as a Government–owned high-rise residential buildings’ staircase collapsed, with one level falling onto another below.

A release from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said one individual who was on the staircase at the time, was injured, and the residents of the 16 apartments that are served by the staircase have been left unable to access their homes.

Seemingly quoting Opposition Leader and South St Andrew Member of Parliament (MP), Mark Golding, the PNP release said: “This dangerous incident could and should have been avoided. Since 2018, I have been calling attention to the deteriorating state of this building.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding at the scene of the collapse of the staircase on an apartment complex in Torrington Park in his constituency on Sunday. 

“I have repeatedly reached out to key officials, including then Permanent Secretary Audrey Sewell, former Minister of Housing Pearnel Charles (jr) in 2021, and even Prime Minister Andrew Holness in both 2022 and 2023.

“For nearly five years there has been no effective action taken to ensure the necessary repairs were done, in spite of meetings, inspections and assurances that the repairs have been approved, only for the work to be deferred, with nothing done to address this avoidable risk.

“The lack of response is not just a matter of bureaucracy, it reflects a shameful disregard for the lives of the residents of Torrington Park.

“To the residents of these buildings in Torrington Park, I share in your frustration, pain and anger. You have endured years of neglect, living in unsafe conditions, with repeated promises, but no meaningful action. This is not just a structural failure; it is a failure of governance.

The crumbled staircase at an apartment complex in Torrington Park, South St Andrew on Sunday.

“I call on the Government to urgently intervene, not only to provide immediate support to the injured resident and stranded families, but to implement a comprehensive plan to repair and rehabilitate these Government-owned residential high-rise buildings in Torrington Park and similar buildings across the country. These residents cannot wait any longer for safe housing.”

Golding said he will continue to “advocate on behalf of my constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard, and that their safety is prioritised.”

He said the Government owes Torrington Park more than apologies, “it owes them action”.

The overall scene of the staircase setting at an apartment complex in Torrington Park, South St Andrew, where the collapse occurred on Sunday.