A Queenstown resident of more than 40 years has questioned the government’s decision to excavate grassed parapets in the residential community, suggesting that the works are more about spending money than addressing the needs of residents.
The Laluni Street resident, who requested anonymity, told Kiskadee Watch yesterday that there had been no consultation with residents and he questioned why the authorities were undertaking works that appeared to facilitate increased commercial activity in an area traditionally designated for residential use.
“It’s all about money,” he expressed, adding that having lived in Queenstown since 1985, the changes taking place in the neighbourhood were a concern. “This is a residential area and not commercial, so I’m not sure what they are doing.”
He pointed out that to his knowledge, the relevant by-laws say that commercial activities should be concentrated west of Oronoque Street. However, he noticed that there was growing pressure for businesses to move further east into residential sections of the community. “There is a gradual pressure of people sneaking in for business,” the resident said.
He further shared that there had been no consultation before the works began and that the nature of the project only became clear after he questioned a worker he encountered randomly on the street.
“I just saw the stuff on the streets and stopped a worker and asked what was happening. He told me they were digging to fill and place crusher run to facilitate parking.”
The resident questioned the need for the expenditure and also raised concerns about the contractors undertaking the works.“I see it as just a way to spend and make money,” he said, noting that several small contractors had received contracts but that the process through which they were selected was unclear.
Meanwhile, another Queenstown resident expressed support for the works, saying the rehabilitation of the parapets would improve parking and help address flooding. He said the improvements were welcome and could benefit the community if properly carried out.
Kiskadee Watch attempted to speak with other residents of the Queenstown community but several persons were hesitant, citing victimisation concerns.
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has called for the suspension of the works, arguing that residents and City Hall should have been consulted before contractors began excavating verges and removing kerbs.
Mentore said the government’s authority over public road reserves did not remove residents’ right to be consulted about changes to their neighbourhoods. He also questioned the environmental impact of replacing grassed areas with brick and crusher run, warning that the work could undermine Georgetown’s identity as the Garden City and threaten roadside trees.
He raised concerns about maintenance, drainage and the other harmful effects on the city’s biodiversity, while noting that attorneys had written about the matter and that a possible class action had been raised.
Residents have complained about the lack of consultation and the removal of grassed verges.
The Ministry of Public Works, however, maintained that the works are intended to improve parking and drainage. It said compacted crusher run would provide firmer parking surfaces while reshaped verges would allow rainwater to flow towards roadside drains.
Just recently, Lamaha Gardens residents signed a petition asking Public Works Minister Juan Edghill to suspend similar works in their community pending consultation and an independent review of the project’s drainage, environmental and safety implications.
The ministry has maintained that the parapets form part of public road reserves and that it can proceed with the works without residents’ permission.
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