Dear Editor,
THE ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Public Works to remove derelict vehicles, abandoned equipment, containers, trailers and other encumbrances from public roadways across Guyana deserve commendation.
Over the past several years, the ministry under the provisions of the Road Act, has undertaken numerous nationwide campaigns aimed at improving road safety, easing traffic congestion, enhancing community aesthetics and restoring order to public spaces.
These exercises have targeted vehicles, cargo containers, heavy-duty equipment and other obstructions occupying road reserves and parapets along major thoroughfares, including sections of Georgetown, the East Bank of Demerara corridor, Sheriff Street, Mandela Avenue and other heavily trafficked areas.
The ministry has repeatedly reminded citizens that road reserves are public property and that encroachments pose serious safety hazards to motorists, pedestrians and emergency responders.
It is against this backdrop that we, the residents of Eccles “EE” Section, wish to bring attention to a matter that continues to affect the quality of life within our community.
In 2025, recognising the narrowness and infrastructural challenges of our roadway, the Government of Guyana undertook a much-needed project to widen the road and construct western drains. The project was completed successfully and has undoubtedly improved accessibility and drainage within the area. However, a supplementary section remains unpaved and covered with stones.
Unfortunately, since the completion of these works, the area has effectively been transformed into an unofficial parking facility for trucks, cargo containers, low-bed trailers and other heavy-duty equipment. This development appears to defeat the very purpose of the road improvement project.
Many of these vehicles are parked throughout the day while residents are away at work and are later removed during the night for operational duties. Their departures are often accompanied by loud noises that disturb the peace and tranquility of the neighbourhood. In many instances, the vehicles return before dawn, making it difficult for residents to identify or engage the owners. Furthermore, most of these vehicles do not belong to residents of the street or, in many cases, even to persons residing within the wider neighbourhood.
Of particular concern is the fact that this situation exists along the street where the newly constructed Masjid was recently established, creating additional inconvenience for worshippers, residents and visitors alike. The presence of large, often unmarked vehicles and equipment raises concerns regarding safety, accessibility and the overall appearance of the community.
Residents first reported this issue to the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council in 2025. We were informed that a field supervisor would investigate the matter; however, to date, no visible action has been taken. The matter was also raised with the Ministry of Public Works, but we have not received any response.
Given the ministry’s demonstrated commitment to removing encumbrances and derelict vehicles from public roadways across the country, we respectfully appeal for similar attention to be given to our community. We believe that prompt intervention by the relevant authorities would help preserve the intended benefits of the road- improvement project, while safeguarding the well-being, safety and peace of residents.
We therefore respectfully call upon the Ministry of Public Works, the Eccles/Ramsburg NDC and other relevant agencies to urgently investigate this matter and implement the necessary measures to prevent public-road reserves from being used as parking and storage areas for heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.
We remain hopeful that our concerns will receive the attention they deserve.