Mannequins placed by businesses along the Vreed-en-Hoop junction have been the newest form of obstruction to pedestrian traffic, and commuters are now complaining as the Christmas season approaches – a time when the area is bustling with people.
One of the areas where the mannequins were placed
During a visit to the area on Friday, over 15 mannequins were placed in front of the stores on the sidewalk. On the opposite side, the same was observed. This was the situation for a string of stores leading up to the Stelling.
Commenting on the matter, one woman explained that it is customary for businesses to “take advantage” of the roadway. She stated that many have complained and filed reports at the Police station, located just a small distance away but little has been done.
“This is not right. I think people should be able to pass here without the fear that you might walk into a vehicle or something,” she explained.
Meanwhile, another concern was raised – the fact that children from a nearby primary school would usually traverse the roadway. This, she noted, is highly unsafe since they are forced to walk on the roadway where vehicles are constantly navigating.
“The main thing is that those children would come out and walk this side to go home. This is a four-way. People are not supposed to be doing that. It’s very unsafe while they’re just taking advantage of public property. The RDC (Regional Democratic Council) is right opposite this store and nothing is being done. Same for the other one (across the street)”.
Guyana Times spoke to one motorcyclist, Mokesh (only name given), who also expressed dissatisfaction with the way the roadside is occupied. He argued that it obstructs the flow of traffic when pedestrians are forced to walk at the edge of the road. Most importantly, it increases the likelihood of an accident.
Efforts to contact the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Regional Democratic Council for a comment on the matter proved futile.
