WELL-known building developer, Omprakash ‘Buddy’ Shivraj was yesterday involved in a showdown with a team from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications. The incident stemmed from developing works that Shivraj is currently executing at a Good Hope, East Coast Demerara site.
It is reported that the reserve on the northern side of the road in the area being developed had been sand-filled, an infringement of the Roads Act, according to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn.
This prompted notices being served on the developer, asking that he cease work and obtain permits, but instead, the infringements continued.
This continuing refusal and works occasioned a visit to the site yesterday by the ministry’s officials, who were reportedly verbally abused by the man.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that when the ministry’s workers arrived at the site yesterday and began removal of the sand from the reserve, Shivraj showed up with a number of his employees and proceeded to threaten to shoot.
The Ministry’s workers withdrew temporarily and then returned in the presence of armed police and recommenced work.
Minister Benn told GINA that the sand filling of the area was illegal and was being done in an unsafe manner and was subject to permit issued by the Chief Works Officer.