Latest update February 18th, 2025 1:40 PM
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Housing ministry reassessing city zoning regulations
Amidst numerous complaints over what some have described as indiscriminate and unconstitutional construction practices occurring around the city, the Ministry of Housing and Water says that it is in the process of reassessing zoning regulations in order to accommodate the quickly growing construction sector and city expansion.
Housing Minister
Irfaan Ali
Housing Minister Irfaan Ali told Kaieteur News yesterday that while his Ministry plays an active part in the approval process of building and construction of homes and buildings in the city, the agency, “has an ongoing process; there will be a reassessment of what is happening in the city to see what consequential implications exist for the changes that are occurring.”
Minister Ali was adamant that Georgetown is experiencing a natural phenomena; an economic expansion. He said that in any developing country one would see changes in infrastructure and the type of buildings.
“While we understand that the growth is natural, we are seeking to keep a balance in environmental and architectural properties.” The Minister added that efforts are being made to ensure that zoning is maintained. “Zoning is an important aspect of development, the city itself is expanding beyond its boundary, that’s why we see outside the city, suburban areas are fast becoming close to being urbanized.”
The Minister urged however that, “zoning has to take into consideration, the economic shift and realities of society, while the Housing Ministry ensures that the balance is brought about in terms of sustainable development; taking into consideration social and environmental factors, before the approval of prospective projects.”
Additionally, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) says it has taken note of the increase in high rise buildings being constructed around the city. Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase- Green told Kaieteur News yesterday that commencing in January of this year, developers and contractors have to present a geotechnical report and foundation design if a building is going to be more than three stories high.
The report will entail soil testing activities and capacity, while the design will relate the type and particulars of the foundation. The regulation, Kaieteur News was told is fitting, especially since there has already been difficulties experienced by developers due to a lack of comprehensive research.
Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase- Green
In terms of the zoning, Chase- Green noted that while the Council has no power to determine the issue, she noted that to organize and accommodate the growth of the city, a new city plan has to be devised. She asserted that while it is appreciated that Georgetown is expanding beyond its boundaries, expansion and growth must be done in an orderly manner, “that is the purpose of zoning,” she submitted.
Chase –Green added that the zoning issue in relation to construction would have been addressed if the Professor Akbar Khan report, “which was accepted by Cabinet,” was considered. She said that the report dealt with the reconstruction of the city and the re-positioning of certain services such as bus stops etc.
She accused the Government of defiling by-laws and regulations; pointing to the Camp Street prison which she said is being expanded, but to date, the Council has not seen a plan from the Home Affairs Ministry. Even the Ministry itself is in violation of city by-laws, she said, adding that no plan for that building was presented to the Council.
It was noted however that developers failing to provide the necessary documentation to raise buildings more than three stories will face financial and legal penalties.
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