Strict enforcement of building codes imminent

Aug 26, 2016 News

…as M&CC sets up Nat’l Capital Planning Commission
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council is currently in the process of establishing a National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) which will be mandated to pronounce on several issues relative to urban development.

Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green

According to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, the Terms of Reference necessary for the proper functioning of the Commission are currently being articulated. She said that after finalization, personnel will be appointed to sit on the Commission.
One of the issues which the Commission will look into is the strict enforcement of building codes in the city. In a recent letter published in this newspaper, Senior Counsel Rex McKay called for the impending Commissioners of the NCPC to possess a copy of the Georgetown Building By-Laws made under the Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01.
Mr. McKay raised the issue that there are commercial buildings in areas prohibited for such activity under the by-laws. He specifically pointed out the area East of Oronoque Street which is bounded on the west by Oronoque Street, on the East by Irving Street, on the North by Lamaha Street and on the South by Church Street which includes from West to East Oronoque, New Garden, Peter Rose and Irving Streets; from North to South – Lamaha, Anira, Laluni, Crown, Lance Gibbs, Forshaw and Church Streets.
According to the legal luminary, the 55 companies presently carrying on trade or business within the restricted area (East of Oronoque Street) are in defiance of the by-laws, particularly 67 to 70. The effect of the law is that no building used for any manufacturing, trade or business shall be erected or built on any lot in that area nor shall any building be used for such purposes.
Mr. McKay attributes the current situation to the misfeasance by the authorities approving applications for building permission in which to carry on trade or business within the restricted area of Queenstown in breach of the building by-laws.
According to the Mayor, the NCPC will also look into these matters. Moreover, she said that it is being considered not to have the NCPC restricted to the Georgetown jurisdiction, but to have its authority extended to other communities across Guyana so as to facilitate proper development.
She added that the Council, in establishing the body, will also seek the input of the Ministry of Communities. A further update on the position of the Commission is expected at that next Statutory Meeting of the council.
The idea to establish such a Commission was suggested to the Council by President David Granger during an address to the M&CC last June.

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