Following the dismantling of a fence behind a property in Bel Air Park, Georgetown, the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has expressed that a section of the land facing Sheriff Street is the most probable sight for the State company’s headquarters. This was related by GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles who noted on Wednesday that he intends to have the central offices of the entity in one building. “We have plans to have one large headquarters and we are in discussions to see how Government can provide us,” he told the media.
Declaring that there “is no space outside of renting buildings”, he noted that GWI has the transport to a property that was handed over to the Health Ministry under the previous Administration. He pointed out that the current building in which he
Demolition for clearing canal or brand new office? Workmen dismantling a fence in Bel Air Park on Monday
operates on Vlissengen Road includes Human Resources, Welfare Officer Occupational Health and Safety, Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Monitoring Unit.
“There’s nothing luxurious about the premises which we’re at; they [staff] have to function in some place, if you were take a tour, it’s cramped,” he stated.
He observed that the current set-up does not lend itself fully to confidentiality, especially where personnel matters are concerned. However, the GWI’s plan to erect a brand new building in the area behind homes in Bel Air will not be executed without opposition as at least one home-owner is preparing legal papers to challenge GWI dismantling his fence later Monday afternoon.
On that day, 10 workmen attached to the GWI carried out the demolition works which the State body contended were justified on claims that the fences are illegal encroachments along the Lama Canal. Nevertheless, Van West-Charles reiterated on Wednesday that GWI will follow through with the works even as several homeowners voiced their concerns over the move.
“We are due to have a meeting but where they have encroached beyond reasonable boundaries, we shall remove those fences. People have called to find out what is happening and we are going to meet with them,” he stated.
However, homeowner Peter Ramsaroop, who said he will file court proceedings against GWI, maintains that the company acted wrongly since according to him, he has complied with its directives.
“We are going to file court action against GWI for damaging the property and for giving no prior notice. They are creating security risks for people in that area and yards would be compromised,” he highlighted.
“He can do whatever he wants to do,” was Van West-Charles’ response when questioned about the impending legal action on Wednesday.
GWI Regional Manager, Georgetown, Curtis Niles, who was on site at Monday’s exercise, had told this publication that the fences which the Bel Air residents erected were affecting GWI from clearing the canal, which provides water for the capital city. <<<<Guyana Times>>>> reported that long before the structures were erected, the Bel Air residents had complained to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) about their fears of being robbed. According to information received, operatives within City Hall reportedly gave the residents permission to take care of and to weed the lands to curtail the bushes. However, over time, home owners started to plant permanent trees and erect gazebos.
