The Committee for the Residents of Subryanville has once again called on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to issue a cease-and-desist order against ongoing construction works at the Farnum Playground, amid claims that no proper permissions have been granted for the erection of prefabricated structures on the community space.
The residents, represented by the Committee, attended the statutory meeting of the M&CC on Monday, September 22, at the Kitty Market. According to the group, the meeting exposed significant lapses within the City Engineer’s Office, which they said was “delinquent in numerous agenda matters.”
While the residents were allowed to raise their concerns under “Any Other Business,” the Council deferred a decision on the stop order until its next statutory meeting, scheduled for October 13.
“The M&CC graciously allowed under any other business the residents to orally request again another cease-and-desist/stop order for the current ongoing construction of the prefab structures being developed on the Eastern end of Farnum Playground,” the residents said in a statement. “Given, inter alia, there is no permission from M&CC for the construction of prefab buildings and despite the urgency of this matter, M&CC deferred the decision to the Statutory meeting three weeks hence on 13th October 2025.”
The Committee noted that despite repeated requests, the M&CC has failed to provide key documents relating to the playground and the alleged construction permits. These include minutes of several statutory and City Works Committee meetings, property transport documents linked to businessman Mr. Sugrim—said to be acting for Mae’s Schools—as well as any permit applications or approvals for the prefabricated structures currently under construction.
The residents have also engaged the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) to enforce covenants on property transports within Subryanville, ensuring compliance with planning and zoning requirements.
Farnum Playground, located on the eastern side of Subryanville, has been a recognized community recreation space since the 1940s, when it was donated by the Farnum family and declared community property for the benefit of residents in Subryanville and Kitty. Residents have long played a role in its upkeep.
The Committee emphasized that their fight to preserve the playground coincides with wider efforts to restore Georgetown as the “Garden City.” They pointed to President Irfaan Ali’s recently launched City Revival Plan, which has drawn strong backing from the private sector, and argued that Farnum Playground could serve as a model for sustainable community green spaces in the capital.
“The residents of Subryanville are pursuing the opportunity for this open green recreational community space to be used as a model in the baseline study,” the statement said.
The Committee for the Residents of Subryanville is represented by Liz Deane-Hughes and Dominic Fernandes.
