Latest update May 22nd, 2026 12:20 AM
Two Ministry staffers fired for not heeding orders
One of the demolished structures at Meten-Meer-Zorg
At least two employees of the Ministry of Public Works were fired recently for failing to remove illegal structures and signs erected on Government’s reserves.
This was confirmed by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, yesterday, who said that his ministry has a list of illegal structures and signs and will be systematically moving on them regardless of who is involved.
One of the employees from the Ministry’s demolition crew, who was let off last week, was unable to explain why a structure was left standing when orders had been issued to remove it.
The ministry had reportedly been told that the structure was removed.
According to the Minister, the Road Act is very clear regarding illegal structures and from a safety standpoint, these have to be removed.
Responding to questions on whether persons or businesses should not be given due process, the Minister stuck to his argument that once a structure is illegally on Government’s reserve, more than likely warnings would have been issued orally and by writings.
Just a few days ago, an East Bank Essequibo hotel which was recently commissioned, saw several structures including a kissing bridge removed by a demolition crew.
Owner, Harry Ram Bhola, had acknowledged that the hotel was issued with a notice to remove all structures but insisted that it did not have any structure in the area in question. Rather, he had beautiful flowers that decorated the place.
The Ministry’s demolition crew also swept down on West Coast Demerara, destroying at least two structures on government reserves.
The structures were concrete spindles lining the bridges leading to the compound. One of the homeowners of the Meten-Meer-Zorg area, admitted that he was given a warning a month ago to get rid of the structure, and as such, holds nothing against the Ministry for carrying out their duties.
Another resident of the Meten-Meer-Zorg area that was subject to the destruction, informed Kaieteur News that men dressed in “reflective vests” arrived, asked no questions and commenced the destruction.
He only recognised them as Ministry workers because of the vehicles in which they arrived.
According to the residents, the Ministry’s workers started operations at Tuschen and made their way along the West Coast Demerara Public Road and way down to the Meten-Meer-Zorg area.
Recently, the K.P. Thomas’ Building located on the Lamaha Street Railway embankment was partially demolished before an injunction stopped works.
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