By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has issued a stern warning to motorists and operators of heavy-duty machinery, declaring that anyone who damages public infrastructure will be held financially accountable.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Minister said the days of recklessly destroying state property without consequence are over.
“The notice is given — the parties responsible will have to pay. You damage government property, you will be made to pay,” Minister Edghill asserted.
He explained that the Ministry is working closely with the Guyana Police Force and other agencies to enforce this new accountability drive, which aims to protect vital public assets, including roads, lamp posts, traffic lights, bridges, and guardrails.
“A motorist is in an accident and damages a lamp pole, a traffic light, the guard rails, or breaks the head walls for bridges and culverts — the notice is given. You will be required to pay for those damages,” Edghill stated.
The Minister also turned his attention to the owners and operators of heavy-duty machinery, many of whom have been damaging newly paved roads by operating without protective pads.
“We have a situation where owners of excavators and other heavy-duty machinery are walking on newly paved roads without putting the pads, digging into the asphalt, and destroying road shoulders. This practice must stop,” he emphasized.
Minister Edghill noted that despite years of public education and warnings, the destruction of public property continues to occur, forcing the Ministry to move from appeals to strict enforcement under existing laws.
This renewed crackdown forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at improving accountability, enhancing efficiency, and preserving national infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.
