Sand trucks banned from using Government reserves at Ruimveldt as parking lot

The Government has imposed a ban on sand trucks parking along the Ruimveldt reserves, citing safety and other concerns.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, visted the area today and led the removal of 11 sand trucks which were parked at the Industrial Estate, in the vicinity of DSL Cash and Carry on the East Bank Demerara.

According to the Minister, the trucks had been illegally using the state reserve as a base for their operations, which resulted in the disruption of the business activities of the nearby Continental Agency subsidiary, Torginal Paints Inc.

“The sand is finding its way into the factory, and it is contaminating the paint. This matter has reached the Courts. We have come and have removed these truck drivers before. Just under two weeks, the police have come and have removed them. They have returned.”

The Minister noted that the truckers have attempted to negotiate with the Government for alternative locations to conduct their business. He said the situation has gotten worse by the truckers’ practice of dumping leftover sand on the reserves.

“Whether its these eleven or twelve that we met here or any other sand truck, we are preventing and prohibiting the parking of sand trucks here for sale from now. The government has initiated a plan, and I met with all the truckers at the stadium, where we will develop a piece of commercial land, but we just can’t continue and allow the lawlessness to happen,” the Minister stated.

The Minister noted that a sign and barricades will be erected at the site, and any truck found in violation of the instruction will be impounded. Traffic Ranks of the Guyana Police Force are expected to monitor the area.