Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has cautioned contractors executing Georgetown’s hard-shoulder improvement programme against poor workmanship and practices that inconvenience residents, stressing that the initiative must deliver lasting benefits to communities.
The minister expressed grave concern over the current approach to the works, criticising the obvious carelessness and lack of common sense displayed on project sites with little to no consideration shown for the public.
The warning was issued during a meeting with contractors at the Umana Yana, where Minister Edghill highlighted several severe operational failures.
Among the issues raised were improper excavation, the indiscriminate dumping of materials on roadways, damage to existing road surfaces, water pipe breakages, and the unauthorized removal of trees.
Reminding contractors that they are vital partners in the government’s development agenda, Minister Edghill emphasised that they must execute their assignments responsibly.
He noted firmly that the Ministry of Public Works is not there to annoy people, but to improve their lives, and warned that contractors who continue to disregard required standards and disrupt residents face the immediate termination of their contracts.
The Georgetown hard-shoulder improvement programme involves clearing, excavating, and backfilling existing earth verges with layers of compacted sand, sifting, and crusher-run stone to create a firmer, more durable surface.
The minister clarified that the surface will remain granular with no casting of concrete, a specific engineering design that allows rainwater to penetrate the ground, replenish groundwater, and improve drainage while providing extra parking space outside of active traffic lanes.
These works are particularly vital in Georgetown, where earth shoulders have grown higher than the adjoining road surfaces, preventing rainwater from reaching roadside drains and causing localised flooding and rapid road deterioration.
Contractors were advised to follow engineering specifications strictly, coordinate with supervising technicians, introduce themselves to communities before starting work, and fill excavated sections promptly to minimize public disruption.
Addressing local concerns, Minister Edghill assured residents that existing access bridges will not be broken during this phase of works, as bridge alignment and drainage connections will be addressed separately to guarantee unhindered access and water flow.
The immediate focus remains on recovering obstructed roadside space and building usable shoulders, which will also support future road widening in select locations after further technical assessment.
A subsequent phase will introduce tree planting at suitable sites to enhance street aesthetics and provide shade without compromising visibility, drainage, or utility lines.
Throughout implementation, the Ministry remains dedicated to maintaining property access, protecting drainage channels, and ensuring safe movement for pedestrians.
The Ministry of Public Works acknowledges that ongoing excavation work may cause temporary inconvenience, and it seeks the continued patience and cooperation of residents and road users.
Every resident and business owner is encouraged to play their part by keeping public road reserves clear as the government works to create a more orderly, accessible, and attractive city.
