Blocked parapets, unauthorised parking will be dealt with – G/Town Mayor

Persons who continue to block parapets with unauthorised encumbrances will be taken to court if notices are ignored, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore on Wednesday said.

Speaking to the News Room, Mentore said City Hall has moved to address illegal encumbrances across the municipality. A recent notice indicates that persons have exactly one month to remove the blockages.

Mentore clarified that the move is not aimed at immediately removing small vendor tents, umbrellas or sheds as many residents initially believed. It is primarily focused on items that obstruct access to public spaces such as boulders, pallets, parking barriers and other objects that block entrances, exits and parking areas.

“All the various constituencies, where they have these tremendous problems, even the persons parking, vehicles, on the parapets, 10- 15 vehicles, all around these different parapets. Persons having these mechanic shops and all these other different things just spray painting and all of that,” Mentore said.

He said that businesses and private lots have been given a grace period as the city intends to work with residents before enforcement action is taken. The issue at hand has led to the Council making public announcements over the years.

He warned that anyone creating hazards and obstructing public access will face legal actions. He said that the council’s constabulary has the authority to issue summonses and take offenders to court if necessary.

“Our constabulary is just like the national police…we could move to summon people to court and to address these matters by way of summons.

“Our enforcement arm will be able to deal with that and to rein those portions in. We give you enough time to put your house in order, if you didn’t, we have no choice but to execute,” the Mayor warned.

The initiative forms part of the council’s broader efforts to improve safety, accessibility and the overall environment within the city.