The Government of Guyana has approved a proposal from the Minister of Tourism to cover many of the city’s historic Dutch canals and make those areas into parking lots.

The Government’s Chief Spokesman, Dr. Roger Luncheon made the announcement on Wednesday at his post cabinet press briefing. Luncheon said the proposal covers all of the canals in the city but immediate attention would be given to the canal on Avenue of the Republic and the Canal that runs between South Road and Croal Street.

The plan is to use non permanent structures to place over the canals and allow vehicle owners to park there. Those structures would be removable to facilitate cleaning of the canals.

Luncheon said the government intends to carry out widespread public consultation before any such plan goes into action, although cabinet is already on board with the  idea.

The canals were built by the Dutch in the 1700’s as a way of ensuring the proper flow of water off of the land into the sea. They were connected to various kokers and drains in the city and serve as a reminder of the Dutch influence on the country.

Filed: 12th November, 2014

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