Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has issued a stern warning to contractors undertaking Georgetown’s hard-shoulder improvement programme, cautioning that poor workmanship, negligence and disregard for residents will not be tolerated.
The minister expressed serious concern over the manner in which some contractors are executing the works, accusing them of displaying carelessness and a lack of consideration for members of the public.
The warning was delivered during a meeting with contractors at the Umana Yana, where Edghill highlighted several unacceptable practices, including improper excavation, indiscriminate dumping of materials on roadways, damage to existing road surfaces, broken water pipes and the unauthorized removal of trees.
Edghill reminded contractors that they are important partners in the government’s development agenda and must ensure that projects are carried out responsibly and in keeping with established engineering standards.
He stressed that the Ministry of Public Works is not there to inconvenience residents but to improve their quality of life. Contractors who continue to disregard specifications and disrupt communities were warned that their contracts could be terminated immediately.
The Georgetown hard-shoulder improvement programme involves clearing, excavating and backfilling existing earth verges with compacted layers of sand, siftings and crusher-run stone to create stronger and more durable roadside surfaces.
The minister clarified that the shoulders will not be concreted, explaining that the granular surface is specifically designed to allow rainwater to penetrate the ground, replenish groundwater and support improved drainage while providing additional parking space outside active traffic lanes.
The works are considered important in Georgetown, where raised earth shoulders have prevented rainwater from flowing into roadside drains, contributing to localized flooding and deterioration of road surfaces.
Contractors were instructed to strictly follow engineering specifications, coordinate with supervising technicians, engage residents before commencing work and promptly fill excavated sections to reduce inconvenience.
Edghill also assured residents that existing access bridges will not be demolished during this phase, noting that bridge alignment and drainage connections will be addressed separately to ensure continued property access and proper water flow.
The current phase will focus on reclaiming obstructed roadside spaces and constructing usable shoulders, with the possibility of future road widening in selected areas following further technical assessments.
A subsequent phase will include tree planting at suitable locations to improve the city's appearance and provide shade without affecting visibility, drainage systems or utility infrastructure.
The ministry has reiterated its commitment to protecting property access, maintaining drainage channels and ensuring the safe movement of pedestrians and motorists throughout the project.
Residents and business owners are also being encouraged to keep public road reserves clear as the government works towards creating a more orderly, accessible and attractive Georgetown.
