By Shaniya Harding
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has warned that the placement of chains, boulders and other barriers on road reserves creates significant challenges, as the government continues its programme to upgrade road shoulders across Georgetown.
The minister made the statement during a live broadcast on Thursday, where he said the works form part of the government’s wider development agenda.
Moreover, he explained that poorly maintained shoulders can create significant challenges in water and flood management.
“The pavement in front of your house is not your property. That is state property,” the minister stated.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj said contracts have been awarded for road shoulder improvements, with work already underway in some communities.
The programmes, which involves clearing and excavating existing verges before filling them with compacted crush and run, is expected to improve parking and allow rainwater to flow more effectively into roadside drains. Ramraj said the initiative forms part of a broader programme, including the construction of concrete drains and tree planting across Georgetown.
“All of these will assist in providing a better, improved city for us, with parking and so on. It is a larger programme,” he said.
Kevin Tucker Head of the Ministry of Miscellaneous Roads Programme, said the upgraded shoulders will create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
The improvements will also give motorists additional space and help reduce water accumulation that can impact road safety and damage infrastructure. Tucker said the programme will also include removing unauthorised obstructions from road reserves and pavements. He urged residents to cooperate with the works, noting that the upgrades are intended to improve safety for all road users.
“The Road Shoulder is part of the road, forms part of the road embankment, and it is one of the more key features of the road. What we are looking to do is provide a more uniform platform to help the road increase its lifespan. We have made significant investment, and it is important to protect that investment,” he added.
