In a move aimed at preventing flooding, Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council conducted a demolition exercise on Sunday to remove illegal structures that were affecting the city’s drainage system.
The exercise was carried out in several areas throughout the city, including Regent Street, Water Street, and around the Bourda Market area in Georgetown.
Town Clerk (ag) Candace Nelson explained that the exercise comes as the city prepares to clear critical drains in anticipation of the rainy season. Nelson explained that the targeted structures were those which impeded the flow of water and debris, causing flooding during heavy rains.
Nelson emphasized that vendors were given ample notice of the exercise and were expected to remove their structures by 18:00h on Saturday before the demolition exercise took effect.
Vending hours are set between 6:00h and 18:00h and vendors are not allowed to erect permanent structures on public property.
To ensure that vendors were aware of the planned demolition exercise, a Notice of Removal was published on the council’s Facebook page, Nelson said. The notice outlined the areas to be targeted and warned vendors to remove their structures to avoid their demolition.
The exercise was carried out by a team of council workers, accompanied by Police officers. The team used heavy equipment to demolish the structures made of wood, metal, and other materials.
The council has come under criticism from vendors and residents who argue that the demolition exercise is unfair and unjustified. Some vendors claim that they were not given enough notice to remove their structures, while others say that the structures were not affecting drainage and were only being targeted to make way for large businesses.
However, the council has defended the exercise, stating that it is necessary to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of residents and businesses. The council has also called on vendors to comply with the by-laws and avoid erecting structures on public property.
Council workers demolishing the stalls along Regent Street and Bourda Market (NCN photo)
As the city prepares for the rainy season, the council has promised to continue its efforts to clear critical drains and prevent flooding. It has also urged residents to be vigilant and report any structures that are affecting drainage to the council.
