Dear Editor,
For the past two months the cut branches of the parapet tree have been lying at the corner of Oronoque and Forshaw Streets, Queenstown with no sign of them being removed. I understand the tree leaves were a nuisance to some residents of the neighbourhood and they took it upon themselves to chop the branches off. This irresponsible behaviour has changed our environment since it has caused a garbage dump to develop as motorists are seen driving past and throwing their garbage onto the heap, much to the annoyance of residents. This has resulted in the defacing of the parapet and its environs and the introduction of a health hazard from the garbage.
On checking with neighbours I was told that a call was made to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) whose officer took the report, but to date no action has been taken. We the residents of this neighbourhood and the citizens of Georgetown are asking the relevant authorities to intervene and arrest what has already developed into a dump heap changing our environment and adding to the number of garbage heaps developing all around the city.
As a concerned citizen I am bringing this unsightly situation to the attention of the responsible agencies that are well aware of which authority should address this matter. In addition to the garbage issue, it is a traffic hazard blocking the view of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians travelling northbound in Oronoque Street and approaching the intersection at Forshaw Street. I am told three accidents have already occurred at this junction.
We as a people have to protect ourselves and loved ones and the general public from the likes of chikungunya and the threat of ebola and God knows what next. The practice of good sanitation and hygiene are the foundation to a clean and healthy society. Please, can someone help us to remove this tree and its encumbrances which have robbed us of our parapet? The tree is an obstacle and an eyesore. We walk past it, open our doors and windows each day in vexation and utter disgust because of the buildup of waste and lawlessness that continues in our society with the authorities turning a blind eye and looking in another direction, and everyone minding their own business as if it does not exist.
I am reminded that in times past one would have been charged for littering the parapet. A tree belonging to one’s yard, when cut, had to be kept in the yard until the relevant authorities were contacted and a set date and time arranged for its collection. Don’t these services exist any longer, and if they don’t what is the new directive for disposing of this type of garbage? Can a public statement be made informing citizens who is responsible for these services? As I pen this letter I am being reminded by fellow citizens this is what local government elections are about; putting these systems back in place so that the city can return to its former beauty of the garden city.
Yours faithfully,
Maria Rodrigues
