City removes Andrew’s Supermarket shed from blocking alleyway

City workers yesterday demolished a structure which had been constructed over a drain and alleyway on Fern Drive, South Ruimveldt, outside of Andrew’s Supermarket.

According to City Hall, the structure has been blocking access to the drain making it difficult for desilting and other cleaning of the area for approximately two years.

City Hall workers removing wood which formed part of an overhanging shed attached to Andrew’s Supermarket. (Photo by Keno George)
City Hall workers removing wood which formed part of an overhanging shed attached to Andrew’s Supermarket. (Photo by Keno George)

However, according to Saiku Andrews, owner of Andrew’s Supermarket, located at the corner of Aubrey Barker Road and Fern Drive, the structure which he constructed and has been using as storage space has not contributed in any way to the blocking of the drain.

Andrews who is Team Legacy’s local government candidate for that constituency (Constituency 14- South Ruimveldt Park/Ruimveldt Estate) told Stabroek News that the demolition came after what he termed a miscommunication between him and City Hall.

Andrews said he had written to City Hall asking for permission to maintain the construction and promising to keep the drain and surrounding area clear and free of debris.

This request was denied and he was instructed to remove the encumbrance within 48 hours. On receipt of that letter, Andrews said, he dispatched a correspondence to City Hall promising to comply but asking for more time within which to do so.

City Hall claims to have never received the letter and once the 48 hours had expired, workers showed up to remove the shed, gate and container which had been placed in the alleyway.