MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn, has urged residents to comply with the existing bylaws governing public reserves, as the government advances plans to transform communities into model villages.
Benn was at the time speaking during a community consultation in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, during which she warned that encroachment on public reserves, including the construction of fences and sheds, the storage of building materials and the parking of heavy vehicles, would have to be addressed to support the community’s planned transformation.
The Housing Minister related that public reserves play a vital role in maintaining drainage infrastructure, road shoulders and walkways, and should not be occupied for private use.
“The reserve belongs to government. It is public land,” the minister said, while noting that reserves are essential for the maintenance of drains, walkways and road shoulders, as well as the overall safety of persons using the roads.
She reminded residents that property boundaries must conform with land-ownership documents and the laws governing Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), adding that structures extending onto public reserves would not be permitted.
“We cannot allow persons to extend their fence or build a shed on the reserve. We have to recognise the bylaws and the restrictions that oversee and curtail such activity,” Benn said.
The minister also highlighted other issues identified during assessments of the community, including derelict vehicles, trailers, machinery and building materials occupying public spaces.
She said these obstructions would need to be removed to facilitate planned infrastructural improvements and preserve the integrity of public roads.
Benn further noted that businesses such as mechanic shops, body workshops, wash bays, snackettes and roadside stalls should operate in designated locations to prevent traffic congestion, pollution and drainage problems.
She urged residents to play an active role in preserving the improvements that will be made under the initiative, stressing that the government alone cannot ensure the long-term success of the programme.
“Government is going to help you to beautify, to improve this community, this village of Kaneville. But after that, it is for you to maintain it in collaboration with your NDC,” she said.
The minister also encouraged residents undertaking construction projects to store sand, stone, lumber and other materials responsibly, rather than leaving them on road shoulders where they can obstruct traffic and damage public infrastructure.
According to Benn, protecting public reserves and complying with existing regulations will be essential to creating a safer, cleaner and more organised community for residents.
