M&CC cracks down on illegal stalls, signs, building materials on parapets

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown issued a public notice on Thursday, giving property owners, vendors, and residents of the city one month to remove any unauthorised encumbrances placed on municipal lands across the city.

In the notice, the council said items placed on parapets, reserves, road shoulders, sidewalks and other public spaces without approval are in violation of the city’s municipal regulations.

According to the Council, the action is being taken in keeping with Sections 9 and 10 (1) of the City Government By-laws and Sections 302 (24) and (25) under Miscellaneous Powers of the Council in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

The Council explained that unauthorised encumbrances include sand, stone and other construction materials placed on parapets or reserves, as well as unauthorised signs, billboards or advertisements.

It was also warned against the placement of boulders, barriers or other obstructions and the erection of stalls, structures or other items on municipal lands without written approval from the council.

Persons who have laced or caused such encumbrances to be placed on city parapets and reserves have been given one month from the date of notice to remove them entirely.
The notice stated that failure to comply within the period given could result in the City Council removing the encumbrances without further notice. Administrative costs for the removal may also be charged to the responsible parties.

The council further warned that offenders could face possible fines or other legal action in accordance with municipal by-laws.

Over the past months, the Public Works Ministry has been issuing several removal notices directing the immediate removal of all encumbrances from the roadway.