Dear Editor,
Please allow me space in your letters column to bring a matter for urgent attention to the authorities. The issue is in relation to the weeding machine operators who undertake works along the roadside, and other areas close to where persons walk or drive. Editor, in the past, several persons have complained that they have had their vehicles damaged, or were hit by bricks and other objects. As recent as last Thursday, the Parika NDC contracted workers were weeding and an object pitched, striking and damaging a car. The driver of the vehicle was very frustrated as no one wanted to take responsibility for the damages. There is no compensation as the persons weeding are contracted, and are firm in their view there is nothing they can do. All of this is happening because there is no legislation in place that determines who will be liable for damages.
This happens regularly and the authorities must do something urgently to address the situation. In other countries, persons weeding in highly populated areas would place a net as a barrier between the person weeding and passersby and vehicles etc. This is standard safety practice in other countries which Guyana must adopt. We cannot go on being backward as our country is developing at a rapid pace. Also, the time these weeders start working in the mornings, especially weekends, is another matter which I would not delve into at this time, suffice to say that it must be addressed as it is a nuisance to persons who are resting. I am calling on the authorities to have in place necessary legislation that makes it mandatory for all involved in weeding, or cleaning, to ensure there are safety methods deployed to protect life and property.
Sincerely,
M. Persaud
