Housing Ministry takes action after business served violation notice for illegal encroachment on Mandela–Eccles Highway reserves

The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has issued a Notice of Contravention to a business found illegally occupying sections of the road and drainage reserves along the western lane of the Mandela–Eccles four-lane highway, marking a significant crackdown on unauthorised land use.

The formal notice, served to the business owners or their agents, states that concrete was poured and structures erected unlawfully in violation of the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 20:01. As a result, CH&PA has begun dismantling the illegal encroachment, reinforcing its commitment to uphold planning and development laws.

According to the agency, the business had received approval for a development plan in December 2023, but access to the site was designated via an internal access road to the west, not directly from the highway. Despite this, the owners proceeded to carry out construction and operational activities that spilled onto public reserves, including key infrastructure areas meant to facilitate traffic flow and drainage.

The Notice of Contravention instructs the business to “immediately remove all encumbrances,” including poured concrete, construction materials, machinery, and any other equipment obstructing the reserves. It also makes clear that all activity must remain within the legally approved boundaries of the property and must not hinder traffic or compromise public infrastructure.

This enforcement action sends a strong signal to all businesses and property developers: the CH&PA will not tolerate illegal encroachments that threaten road safety, drainage systems, and orderly urban development. The Ministry underscored that such actions undermine public planning and can have wider implications for safety and accessibility.

In a statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its stance: “Public reserves and roadways are critical to national development, and protecting them from unlawful occupation is essential to ensuring that infrastructure remains safe, accessible, and sustainable for all citizens.”

The CH&PA has warned that similar action will be taken against any individual or business found to be operating outside the bounds of the law, and is encouraging all stakeholders to adhere strictly to development guidelines and approved land use regulations.

This latest move is part of a broader push to maintain order, safety, and compliance in the development of public spaces as Guyana continues its rapid infrastructural transformation.