WARNING against the building of structures along government reserves and or in spaces publicly earmarked for infrastructural development

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Works, is urging citizens, owners and operators of businesses to desist from erecting or placing structures, stationed or mobile, along thoroughfares and main access roads, and more specifically areas identified for infrastructural development.

The Ministry has noted with concern a new trend occurring, of persons hurriedly putting up structures for business purposes or otherwise, in areas that have been publicly advertised as earmarked for development.

Persons are warned to desist from this practice, and further, reminded that it is illegal to build or place structures on a government reserve, or along highways and main access roads, the latter two being obstructions to flowing traffic.

“Section 29 of the Road Act 51:01 of the Laws of Guyana, states that ‘Any property obstructing or damaging a road or canal may be seized and removed by the road’s officer of the district, or by anyone by him thereto authorised in writing’.”

Persons are being especially dissuaded from hurriedly occupying these spaces in the hope of acquiring compensation, this will not be tolerated.

“We cannot in all consciousness allow persons to break the law and reward them for it. The PPP/C Government is ensuring the development of every sector for the benefit of all Guyanese, through our housing drive every category of worker is accommodated, squatters are being regularized, and businesses are given support for development, but due process must be followed, laws must be followed, we must not stand in the way of our own development, there is no need to try to trick the system,” Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill has stated.

Among the areas publicly announced for intended infrastructural development are:

–The East Coast Demerara Railway Embankment Road into a Four-Lane Highway from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau, and continuing to the Mahaica River Bridge

–The East Coast-East Bank Road linkage from Ogle to Eccles

–And the East Bank Highway from Grove to Timehri, to just name a few.

“We are in the process of clearing these spaces, in some cases work has advanced a great deal, and we are monitoring the process, and if persons continue with these illegal practices, we will do what is necessary within the law.”

We reiterate, there must be no obstruction on or along the roadway and on government reserves. Anyone found to be in contravention will be dealt with condignly.

The Ministry, and by extension the Government of Guyana, urge citizens’ cooperation and support on this matter.

Persons who wish to identify such breaches can contact the Ministry of Public Works via our Facebook Page, Email pr_dept@mopw.gov.gy or on telephone No. +592-227-0799.