Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

IQALUIT(Nov 16/98) - Iqaluit housing authority employees Josephee Nuvaqiq and Jonah Evaloakjuk don't have any suggestions on how to deal with the increase in vandalism to the 407 units they maintain.

"It's too much unnecessary work. I'd rather do something creative," said Evaloakjuk, a journeyman carpenter who has worked with the department since 1980.

Nuvaqiq, a jack-of-all-trades who has been with the housing authority for the past 12 years, said he was also saddened by the damage and noted that fewer people were calling to report these incidences.

"I feel bad. It's a lot of damage and a lot of work to do. It's going to cost a few bucks."

But, a group of concerned citizens tired of the rampage have committed themselves to finding concrete solutions.

Calling themselves the crime prevention group and headed up by community policing constables Jimmy Akavak and Lew Philip, the small collection of Iqaluit residents turned their efforts to stopping the vandalism at their monthly meeting last week.

After listening to manager Susan Spring lament the recently ruined units, the officers and the bylaw employees said they had plans in the works to crack down on the vandals.

Community elder and group member David Munick agreed with their decision and said it was time for the whole community to contribute and educate people about the problem.

The crime prevention group will further discuss the issue at their next meeting on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Navigator Inn.