The Ministry of Government Support Services, GSS, is reminding the general public, that road-cutting for whatever reason is illegal and anyone found doing so can face criminal charges.
According to Schedule 1, paragraph 3 of the Electricity Ordinance, only public suppliers (utility companies) such as Fortis, PTV, Provo Water, LIME, Digicel and DigiPlay are allowed to carry out such road cuts, with the approval of the Public Works Department (PWD).
These companies are required to fill out a road cutting and re-instatement application form, which outlines the requirements which must be met before permission is given to proceed with the road cut. Re-instatement of the road must be carried out by a Public Works approved road paving contractor.
The Public Works Department, is making every effort to ensure that the road network remains in good condition by reconstructing and upgrading as many roads in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the budget allows.
The general public is further reminded that in accordance with section 21 (1) (b) of the Crown Land Ordinance, which states:
“A person who, without lawful authority-constructs any building or structure on Crown land, clears any Crown land, or undertakes any other work on Crown land commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 6 months and on conviction on indictment to a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.”
To assist in this effort, the public is asked to report anyone seen doing road cuts or any other damage to the government road system or PWD or the Police Department.