Land grabbing in City continues – Benn

Dec 10, 2012 News

– Public Works stops illegal construction on road reserves

The Public Works Ministry on Saturday thwarted attempts by unknown person(s) to carryout construction works on road reserves along Mandela Avenue, where there are plans to extend the existing thoroughfare into four lanes.
According to Public Works Engineer, Sunil Ganesh, shortly after 10:00 am, it was observed that construction works, primarily land clearing, was ongoing on the road reserves. The illegal construction was halted and the team did not reveal who instructed the illegal works.
Ganesh opined that works probably commenced Friday since no works were observed on Thursday. On site were heavy duty equipment and building materials including steel and sand, he added.

Illegal land clearing exercise on Mandela Avenue road reserve halted

According to Transport and Hydraulics Minister, Robeson Benn, the grabbing of land in the City continues to hinder development. He suggested that Saturday’s land clearing on the reserve was probably being done to access large land space behind the area.
Benn related that City Hall is well aware of Government’s plan to develop that area, which is located south of the National Gymnasium. About five years ago, a development plan was done and it included the construction of a minimart, parking area and a playground, he said.
He stressed that while Government is seeking to develop the area in a systematic way, it appears that over time, lands have been given out along Mandela Avenue in an unexplained manner. According to the Minister, those encumbering the road reserves will have to vacate to facilitate the four-lane expansion from Sheriff Street to Industrial Site.
Encumbrances of state and city reserves and the erection of several huge buildings around Georgetown are oftentimes raised at the Mayor and City Council’s Statutory Meetings, with some Councilors expressing awe as to how the structures appear and who are responsible for them.
Hazy responses from Senior Officials usually anger Councilors who had called for an investigation into the City Engineer’s Department. That investigation did not materialize but the City Engineer, Gregory Erskine was sent on leave with other officials following fraud allegations at City Hall.