Minister Edghill issues ultimatum to trucks, heavy-duty equipment owners

…as infrastructural works planned for city

After a stern warning on Saturday to individuals parking trucks and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment in recreational areas, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill declared that “For the last time, all the owners of the heavy-duty equipment, caravans, trucks, haulers and everything else that is on this carriageway, you have until Monday afternoon to remove them. If not, the Ministry will confiscate them and remove them.”

Minister Edghill gave the ultimatum during an inspection of infrastructural projects across Georgetown, where, at Station and Owen Streets, Kitty, he highlighted the improvements made along the railway embankment, including the construction of a new play area for children.
However, trucks and heavy-duty vehicles are encumbering the carriageway, creating a hazard and unsafe environment.
He stressed that the area was developed for the benefit of the residents and children, so all obstruction must be cleared immediately.
Minister Edghill also warned that the same rules will apply to all businesses and small operators.
“We will not tolerate people using these spaces that have been created for the benefit of families and children for people to convert it to use like this,” he emphasised.
“I’m on the Lamaha Railway Embankment, a green space that has been developed by the Government of Guyana for families, children, and people to come out and recreate. And on this embankment, we now have people opening mechanic shops, parking heavy-duty trucks, and servicing those trucks on the railway embankment,” he said.
“We have made efforts to find the owners… the owner of these trucks must remove them with immediate effect, and seize all mechanical work and construction or repairs or vehicles on this embankment,” he declared.
The Minister and his engineering team were at the time on an outreach touching several communities in Georgetown, where he also engaged residents and inspected areas for developments where roads, drainage and bridges are concerned.
As the Government moves to address persistent challenges affecting residents as it relates to dilapidated roads, bridges, and clogged drains which causes flooding after heavy rain fall, these issues were highlighted during site inspections on Saturday, led by Minister Edghill.
Upon inspecting these areas, residents were assured that swift interventions will be taken to remedy these issues.
Areas engaged include Agricola, Container city, Rasville, Benn Kirton Drive, Rivers View, Sussex and Hill Street, Middle Road, Barbie Dam, Bamboo Drive, Meadow Brook, Kitty, Bel-Air Park, North Sophia and Merriman’s Mall.
Residents said many of the issues, especially poor drainage and irrigation, stemmed from what they described as neglect by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
“The Government of Guyana will not neglect Georgetown or any ward in Georgetown because of the incompetence and the infantile politics of City Hall,” the Minister asserted in response to residents.
“People are suffering and we will intervene. The Government will do what it takes to ensure the lives and livelihoods of people are improved,” he stated.
The names of residents from various communities were collected to assist engineers who are expected to return to these areas shortly, to conduct inspections and draft detailed plans for execution.