There must be strict adherence to town and country planning

Apr 20, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,
Guyana is on a rapid developmental trajectory and as such, we must avoid all the pitfalls that Third World Developing States are prone to make. I make specific reference to the way we utilize the land space available around us in a decent and well ordered fashion. That land mass that has been entrusted to us was meant to be fashioned and modelled in ways that befits a modern society, that is its roads, bridges highways, housing, shopping complexes, I am talking about the whole infrastructural landscape. If strict laws are not put into our planning then, we would be well into the setting up of a modern ghetto.
So, it all hinges on the platform of setting up a proper town and country planning code. There must be strict adherence to mapped out areas for specific developmental works such as housing and settlements, into industrial zones as well as open spaces which is to be reserved for the relaxation of the citizens as well as open for the free passage of clean air. In summary, the primary objectives of town and country planning is to ensure sustainable economic development and a better environment in which to live.
The foregoing has serious implications for planning, especially in urban areas where there is a total disregard for open stretches of land. In Guyanese backward culture, open spaces – especially those near to roadways or major development projects – is an invitation to squat or to encumber for one’s own personal use. It is a bugbear that has taken our country by storm and something for which government must address. This problem must be stopped immediately.
This lawlessness can be seen in many places across the country, specific mention is made of The East and West Coast and East and West Bank of Demerara. In all of the communities mentioned, urban squatting has become an ever present problem. The train line embankment roadway, built to ease the traffic congestion in that area, has suddenly become a big problem in itself, with many persons building permanent structures on the road shoulders and parapets. There are dwelling houses, bars, betting shops as well as houses of ill repute existing here. What is going on in our country?
The British Developer Ebenezer Howard captured the true spirit of what modern society ought to be. He did this when he formulated The New Town, Green Belt Strategy and in this regard, Guyana can do well in the implementation of this system here. We have the land space, which is ideal for zoning, hence this must be implemented in order that we build for ourselves a modern developed country or, God forbid, build a massive ghetto.
As Guyana moves into a modern future, there must be an aggressive, if not brutal plan, to get those persons and encumbrances off government reserves. With the commissioning of the new Eccles to Mandela Highway, government must look out for the squatters and roadside builders; persons who have no care for town and country development, who would otherwise cause a well structured society to deteriorate into an eyesore. This cannot be allowed to take place.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams

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