The Ministry of Public Works has rejected statements by the Mayor of Georgetown regarding the designation of twenty-two (22) roads as public roads, describing them as legally flawed, misleading, and an attempt to misinform the public.
The Ministry said the Government of Guyana has acted lawfully, responsibly, and in the public interest, adding it will not be distracted by claims that it says distort “both the law and reality.”
Dispute Over Legal Authority (Municipal Act vs. Roads Act)
The Ministry said the Mayor’s position is based on what it called a “fundamental misinterpretation” of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap. 28:01.
It argued that the Act defines a “council road” as any road other than a public road. According to the Ministry, once a road is lawfully designated a public road, it ceases to be a council road by operation of law.
It also pointed to section 274 of the Act, which it said makes council powers subject to other written laws—specifically mentioning the Roads Act, Cap. 51:01.
Public Roads Managed by the Minister
The Ministry stated that under the Roads Act, responsibility for public roads lies with the Minister of Public Works, including the authority to designate and manage such roads.
It said this authority is not subject to or limited by City Council under other law, and therefore the Minister (on behalf of the Central Government) has the lawful power to take over and designate roads as Public Roads.
No-Consultation Claim Called “False”
The Ministry dismissed the claim that there was an absence of consultation, saying it is “false” and lacks legal basis. It said the Central Government has previously engaged the City Council publicly and urged it to upkeep, maintain, and manage the streets.
It added that those appeals were “ignored,” and that Central Government therefore has a duty to remedy the situation because the roads are described as neglected, in disrepair, and in some cases hazardous.
“Seizure of Council Assets” Denied
The Ministry also rejected the assertion that the Government “seized” council assets, saying roads are public infrastructure, not private property owned by municipal bodies. It described what occurred as a lawful reallocation of responsibility within the statutory framework, not an acquisition of property.
Central Government Investment Cited
To support its position, the Ministry said the Mayor is ignoring the scale of Central Government investment in Georgetown’s infrastructure in recent years. It claimed that between 2020 and 2025, approximately GYD $19 billion was spent on rehabilitation of main access roads, plus additional amounts for urban roads, maintenance, drainage interventions, and enhancement works—stating a total of about GYD $40.7 billion invested into Georgetown’s roads and supporting infrastructure.
It also noted that a GYD $100 million subvention for renovation of City Hall was not included in those figures.
Purpose of Designation
The Ministry said the designation of the roads is not arbitrary, and said it is part of an ongoing response to public concerns including:
- traffic congestion,
- road conditions,
- public health concerns, and
- the need for more coordinated management of transportation corridors.
It said the Government has engaged the public on these issues and the measure reflects ongoing responsiveness.
Local Democracy Argument Rejected
The Ministry rejected framing the issue as an erosion of local democracy, saying the core matter is the Government’s obligation to ensure infrastructure is managed safely, efficiently, and in a way that supports national development.
Call for Legal Accuracy and Engagement
The Ministry said it remains open to engagement with the Georgetown City Council, but believes discussions must be based on legal accuracy, good faith, and the public interest rather than rhetoric it described as misleading.
It concluded that the Government will continue to act decisively and lawfully in the best interest of the people of Georgetown and Guyana as a whole.
