THE CITY Engineer’s Department of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Monday had cause to remove the pickets installed on the parapet by Singh’s Roti Shop, at the corner of Carmichael and New Market Streets, Cummingsburg, Georgetown.The M&CC is urging business owner not to carry out any form of construction on the City’s thoroughfares without requisite permission from the City Engineer’s Department, according to its acting Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis.

During a visit around the city, she said, it was observed that Singh’s Roti Shop had installed metal pickets on the pavements in front of the premises. According to City Engineer Colvern Venture, the owner was not given any permission to do the construction.
Ms Lewis explained that the owner of the building had requested permission in writing to install the metal pickets on the parapet.

After receiving an application from the business owner, the Engineer’s Department had reportedly conducted a site visit to determine the suitability of the location for the pickets.

“The permission was not granted based on the advice of the engineers that the installation of pickets would result in serious traffic hazards, since the area is at an intersection. Also, motorists desirous of parking have to do so in the carriageway, which can result in accidents,” Ms Lewis underscored.

According to the City Engineer, the actions of the owner could result in harm to pedestrians and motorists. However, the owners still disregarded the recommendation of the Council and went ahead and installed the pickets.

The Council wants to impress upon prospective builders in the City to seek permission of the municipality before they begin construction. This permission must be given in writing by the City Engineer’s Department.

It is illegal to construct or place anything on the Council’s thoroughfares without the permission of the Council. The Council has the right to remove any construction that is not duly authorised.