Dear Editor,
We the undersigned are residents of upper Bourda bounded by Regent Street (south), New Garden Street (east), Robb Street (north) and Oronoque Street (west). We have an ongoing problem that was highlighted in KN on September 10.
Firstly, six years ago a Chinese restaurant was opened at the corner of Regent and Oronoque Streets, Bourda. Two years after its establishment, the drains within our area became stagnant with waste ‘fat’ from this restaurant. Layers of thick fat and white sediment which do not move are always present, even after continuous rainfall. It has been like this since around 2006.
In addition to the fat, the drains are filled with maggots, rats and flies, which come into our yards and homes. It is guaranteed that after every rainfall our whole area is flooded and we who are at ground level have to go through the trauma of living with the maggots, rats and snakes that invade us.
We would like to draw this problem to the attention of the Mayor and City Council, and point out that there is now a strong stench emanating from the drain while the colour of the water has changed to black. It is unbearable to socialize outside one’s premises, since the smell and the flies are atrocious. How much longer do the residents of upper Bourda and environs have to live in these conditions? How much longer must we endure the filth and inconvenience?
Secondly, in New Garden Street (opposite the GCC Ground west) there is an alleyway that has not been cleaned for the past five years, though surrounding alleys have been given the attention required to ensure that they are clean and tidy. This alley has become a breeding ground for snakes, mosquitoes and alligators.
We are seeking the kind attention of the city council to come and have a first-hand look at our surroundings, and if possible undertake an assessment of these issues we have highlighted.
We would like to have a neighbourhood meeting with the councillors so we can express our dissatisfaction with what we are experiencing. We have had enough and we are imploring those who are accountable to stop playing with our families’ health, safety and lives. We are looking forward to seeing the councillors in our neighbourhood at the earliest opportunity.
We are devoted taxpayers of the city of Georgetown and would hope that the same attention given to ensure that taxes are paid will be afforded to ensure that people live in comfortable and healthy surroundings.
Yours faithfully,
Murtland Slugger Williams
and eleven others
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Mr Royston King, PRO of the Mayor and City Council for any comment he might wish to make.
