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March 27, 2026
The Ministry of Public Works said the government’s designation of 22 roads as public roads was lawful and rejected claims by Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore that the move amounted to the seizure of municipal property.
In a statement, the ministry described the mayor’s assertions as “legally flawed” and misleading, adding that roads are public infrastructure and not assets owned by municipal bodies.
The ministry said the government acted in the public interest and would not be distracted by claims that distort the law.
At the centre of the dispute is the interpretation of the Municipal and District Councils Act, which defines a “council road” as any road other than a public road. It said once a road is designated as public, it ceases to fall under municipal jurisdiction.
It added that while the council cited Section 274 of the Act, the provision makes its authority subject to other laws, including the Roads Act, which vests responsibility for public roads in the minister of public works.
“The minister, on behalf of the Central Government, has the lawful authority to take over and designate any road as a Public Road,” the ministry said.
The ministry also dismissed claims of a lack of consultation, saying the Central Government had previously engaged the council and urged it to maintain roads, but those appeals were ignored.
It said intervention was necessary as several roads were neglected, in disrepair and, in some cases, hazardous.
The ministry highlighted government spending of about $40.7 billion on Georgetown’s infrastructure between 2020 and 2025, including rehabilitation, maintenance, drainage and enhancement works.
It said the road designations form part of efforts to address congestion, road conditions and public health concerns, while improving coordination of key transport corridors.
The ministry said it remains open to engagement with the City Council but stressed discussions must be grounded in legal accuracy and the public interest.
