Georgetown to become ‘green city’ – set for grand return to glory as the famed ‘garden city’
FOLLOWING a meeting with President David Granger this past week over his ‘Green’ vision for Guyana, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has not only embarked on the restoration of the renowned ‘Garden City’, but is doing this within an eco-friendly, green-environment framework.
This is according to Town Clerk Royston King who, on Friday last, laid out an elaborate plan for citizens and other stakeholders to participate in the various spheres associated with the city’s revitalisation drive. This drive involves, what was deemed most important, “a vigorous education initiative to instill in citizens the necessity, and long-term benefits of a clean, green city.”
The town clerk pointed out that this new approach to the city “demands a new attitude from all citizens occupying or traversing the capital.” This is especially so, since work is currently ongoing to address matters that have caused the decay of the capital of Guyana. These include the revision of legislation related to offences and penalties, and additional regulations to ensure the continuance of what city administrators envision.
As it stands, Georgetown has been plagued by flooding due to blocked drains, canals and other waterways. The city is congested given its layout, while citizens – particularly the business community – has confiscated city alleyways, reserves and other open spaces. Overgrown bushes and grass characterise almost every inch of Georgetown, while huge buildings have risen; some not adhering to the construction or zoning rules and regulations of the Council.
“This will be no more,” King charged. “Until the requisite legislation is passed to seriously arrest acts that contribute to the city’s deterioration, we will boost enforcement of all existing laws.”
King also warned that citizens should be mindful now of how they treat the city, before indicating a “no tolerance” policy for persons who, among other violations, arbitrarily destroy or occupy city property, and dump or cause waste to be dumped illegally.
As part of the education aspect of the green-city initiative, training and assistance programmes will be made available by the Council.
It will include information on harmful chemicals, such as weedicides and poisons that negatively impact the environment. There will be programmes on recycling and composting processes among others. Information on the benefits of low-carbon strategies and the benefits of alternative energy sources will also be accessible.
Given the enduring value of trees, particularly in the human respiratory process, their importance would be made known to all citizens. They will be encouraged to plant more trees and to care for them. “Plant and animal life must be respected in the city,” King charged.
In relation to vagrants and homeless persons who not only contribute to the ugliness and filth within the city, moves will be made to collaborate with the relevant ministries to address this.
In the meantime, City Hall has commenced the restoration of recreational areas for public convenience. The Council said it is adamant that it wants to see its citizens living as one, lending to the concept of “cohesive communities.” “We are therefore restoring recreational parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and other social areas where the young and old can meet and talk, where uptown can meet downtown and dwell, and where all citizens are recognised only as citizens.”
The town clerk concluded that while the city is up for a grand return to glory, its citizens will also have to come up to par. He said City Hall will be making moves towards citizens’ health development, with related programmes that encourage exercise and healthy eating.
The town clerk’s passionate appeal is that citizens start now, “to wrap their minds around a new, healthier and greener Georgetown.”
