– Urges citizens to reclaim public spaces
-by Nakasia Logan
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill is calling on citizens to reclaim their communities through active participation in a major clean-up drive.
Over the past two days, Minister Edghill has led efforts targeting derelict and improperly parked vehicles obstructing roads, pavements, and public spaces.
The operation focused heavily on the former Railway Embankment behind the Guyoil Gas Station in Kitty, an area the Ministry says has been cleared on more than five occasions, only to be re-encumbered shortly after.
Speaking during an inspection on Saturday afternoon, Minister Edghill emphasized that the initiative goes beyond one location and calls for nationwide responsibility.
“This must not be something for the railway embankment, this must be something across the country, people across the country must take back their parapets, their pavements, their recreational facilities…We will be establishing more green spaces, making more facilities more available for improved livelihoods, communities must take action together communities must work together, I commend president Ali for his initiative and I fully support it,” the public works minister asserted.
Significant work took place yesterday and continued into this morning. The Minister extended thanks to residents and business owners who complied with requests to remove vehicles and other obstructions from public spaces.
However, the Ministry says resistance from some individuals has slowed progress. Earlier this week, contractors attempting to clear the alignment were blocked after a nearby business, Global Spare Parts and Auto Sales, allegedly parked two heavy-duty trucks to prevent the removal of derelict vehicles.
According to Minister Edghill, repeated warnings were ignored, leaving the government with no option but to impound the vehicles and continue the works.
The Minister stressed that the clean-up is not about victimization but about restoring order and ensuring compliance.
“I am very pleased this Saturday afternoon as I am making a check to see the improvements and work done, and make no bones about it its not about targeting anyone its about restoring law and order and ensuring full compliance across the country,” he said.
Looking ahead, Edghill says the initiative will also create long-term benefits for communities.