With a major push back from residents in a number of residential communities across Georgetown over the destruction of their parapets, the Ministry of Public Works said its move to clear up and excavate parapets form part of a project to improve the shoulders of roads across Georgetown.

In many areas, residents have complained about the parapets being excavated and replaced with sand and crush and run material. While some residents complained of not being consulted, others said they received notices just as the works were getting started.

The Public Works Ministry has now explained that it has awarded contracts for road shoulder improvement works across Georgetown, with construction already underway in some communities as part of a wider programme targeting several coastal regions.

The initiative is aimed at improving roadside conditions, easing parking pressures, addressing drainage problems and making better use of public spaces, the Ministry said in a statement.

Under the programme, road shoulders, or verges, will be cleared, excavated and filled with compacted crusher-run stone or other suitable aggregates to provide firmer and more durable surfaces, it was explained.

The Ministry said many roadside verges across Georgetown have traditionally been left earthen, resulting in muddy and uneven conditions during rainy weather. Depressions along these areas also tend to retain water, contributing to localized flooding and poor roadside conditions.

The Ministry also noted that the programme forms part of a phased approach to improving Georgetown’s road network and public spaces. It explained that while the immediate priority is to establish firm and usable shoulders and clear obstructed roadside areas, the improvements are expected to support possible future road widening at selected locations, subject to further assessments and designs.

It said another phase will include tree planting at suitable locations to provide shade and improve the appearance of streets. The Ministry said the planting exercise will take into consideration drainage systems, utility infrastructure, visibility and access requirements.

It added that efforts will be made throughout the construction process to maintain access to properties, protect drainage routes and ensure the safe movement of pedestrians.

But in many communities visited by News Source, trees are being damaged and the utility companies have also raised concern about their underground cables and utility poles being affected.

Just recently, the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, had complained about the City Council not being consulted at all about the project, as he called for it to be reconsidered in many of the residential communities that are now being affected.

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