THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE MARRIOTT

Sep 21, 2013 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Following unprecedented levels of over-topping of Georgetown’s fragile sea defences earlier this year and the erosion caused by this development forced the authorities to embargo the entire stretch of seawall between Sheriff Street and Liliendaal.
That particular stretch was a hive of activity every Sunday afternoon with thousands flocking there to hang out. Because of the numbers of persons that congregated there, large numbers of vendors moved to capitalize on the crowds that assembled every Sunday.
These vendors were not just small vendors but also large vendors who turned up with their caravans from which they sold all manner of fast foods. Large tents and screens were also set up from which music and videos were aired. By the next morning, the vendors and their patrons were nowhere in sight but they left in their wake a tremendous mess.
The fragile piece of reserve separating the seawall from the public road also became very vulnerable and tents and stands were set up as thousands trampled on the sod.
After the heavy over-topping caused by high tides further eroded the sea dam separating the wall from the roadway, the authorities took action to stop all vending on that stretch and also stopped vehicles from parking along that roadway.
Sandbags were placed along the northern perimeter of the roadway to keep water from the over-topping from crossing over into the drains that run on the opposite carriageway of the public road. These sandbags served an additional purpose. Since they occupied that portion of the public road that was used for parking, it meant that vehicles could no longer park on that stretch. This effectively ended the massive build up of vehicles and persons that assembled on that strip on weekends.
This also served as reinforcement to the decision that was taken to cease the seawall lime on that stretch. It was agreed and steps taken to move the lime further west between Camp Street and Vlissingen Road. Because of the damage that was done and because it was recognized that the integrity of the sea defence dam was under threat, not many persons objected to the ban on activities between Sheriff Street and Liliendaal.
Soon, construction of a stump wall began to take shape on the existing strip. This has increased the height of the existing wall. Work is still proceeding on this and workmen are on site. A portable toilet, no doubt for the sea defence workers, is also on site. But interestingly even though vending is banned, a tent and a mobile caravan have found their way onto the sea reserve at the head of Sheriff Street.
Now what is that doing there and how could it have been allowed to get on that portion of the sea reserve which is one of the most vulnerable sections which was heavily eroded during the over-topping?
To add insult to injury, vehicles are now once again parking on the northern extremity of the public road. In fact, they are being parked on top of the sandbags. This means that eventually the seawall lime will return to that area and the noise and the littering that characterizes that activity will return with a vengeance.
The authorities must decide whether there is a ban on activities on this stretch or whether vending and liming is once again being promoted. It seems incongruous that both should be happening at the same time.
In the meantime, the commercial sector is expanding in Georgetown. It seems as if permission is being given for businesses to either expand their operations or set up shop without any adequate provisions being made for parking.
Take Station Street, for example, where traditionally there used to be a number of rum shops. These are still around, except that some of them have upgraded to clubs and are attracting customers who flock to these joints with vehicles. At nights, not only is the street noisy but it is also difficult to navigate your vehicle through the massive line of vehicles parked at these clubs. It is a real problem and one can understand the concern of residents over these developments.
Not far away, permission has been granted for newly established businesses to use the state reserve opposite Lamaha Street to park vehicles. Now these vehicles are being parked under heavy voltage lines and one has to ask why is this being allowed considering the risks that can be involved of persons being under such heavy voltage lines?
It is hoped that a response can be forthcoming on these issues because while it is nice to hear about the Marriott and the airport at Timehri and hydroelectricity, the safety of people, the integrity of the sea dams and the mental health of residents are equally important too.

 

 

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