The Lamaha Gardens Management Committee has cited increased crime, use of roads in the community as “racetracks” and zoning violations as major ongoing problems it wants addressed.
In a statement on August 22nd, it said that the recent imbroglio surrounding the establishment of a chemical plant at the John Fernandes inland terminal, which sparked protest action by residents of Houston Gardens and surrounding communities, was another example of just how much the regulatory agencies are failing the people of Guyana. It said that this is despite millions of tax dollars being spent year after year on building capacity within these agencies.
“Residents of Lamaha Gardens have been enduring more than their fair share over the years. Increased crime and the roadways becoming a racetrack for minibuses traversing in and out of Sophia are two of the more compelling issues facing residents at the moment. This situation is so dangerous that residents have been involved in life threatening accidents due to speeding particularly on Duncan and Garnett streets”, the statement said.
It lamented that Lamaha Gardens is zoned as a residential area but yet businesses have been operating with impunity over the last few years.
“Such businesses include a gym, nail salon, travel agency, day care centre and offices, one of which is the GWI (Guyana Water Inc) Executive office. That a Government Agency can wantonly break the zoning laws, unconcerned about the message this sends to other businesses operating in the community speaks volumes”, the statement said.
The community group said that it was noteworthy that GWI moved into Lamaha Gardens at a time when the former city Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green was the Chairman of that entity, in effect breaking the zoning laws of Lamaha Gardens while being the head of the M&CC, which is one of the regulatory agencies mandated to enforce city bylaws.
The statement added that many may argue that the crime situation is not unique to Lamaha Gardens.
“However, poor planning and possibly lack of basic knowledge on the concept of a residential community has contributed to the plight that residents find themselves in. The number of ingresses and egresses and the resultant free flow of traffic have allowed for many undesirous activities, such as heavily tinted vehicles parked and scouting the neighbourhood during the daytime and early evening. Thankfully Lamaha Gardens has a strong sense of community, so we are able to maintain photographic records of all these vehicles along with their make and registration numbers”, the statement added.
It also said that the election of Mayor Ubraj Narine has been like a “breath of fresh air” for the residents of Lamaha Gardens.
“Mayor Narine has met with our committee on more than one occasion and continues to demonstrate a willingness to work with our community to address our issues. We urge that Mayor Narine’s positive approach to Council’s regulatory responsibilities, be supported and duplicated by other regulatory entities with community responsibilities. Lamaha Gardens and residential communities will once again enjoy peace and tranquility with the preservation of an orderly and harmonious environment”, the statement asserted.
It said that the time has come for residential communities to take action to ensure they are protected against unwanted impositions. It suggested that an Association of Residential Communities should also be formed to hold the regulatory agencies accountable for dereliction of duties – an initiative which it said that Lamaha Gardens is examining at this time
The statement also said that the Lamaha Gardens Community stands in solidarity with Houston Gardens and the surrounding communities in their fight against zoning violations and the planned establishment of a chemical plant nearby.
