Dear Editor,
The recent flooding is an example of poor planning and execution. The President was reduced to playing Mayor of Georgetown. It is the M&CC’s responsibility to ensure the city is free of garbage, people are fined for littering and that the city is prepared for the rainy season. Some may say that a bad example was set by rewarding someone who
littered with a job.
As true as this may be, we must not stop enforcing the law. The correct punishment may be to have those that litter clean up. The rule of law must be used to bring about the correct behaviour. What’s missing? The country has the needed funds to prevent the flooding. Are the funds not being properly used or is there a larger problem that has to do with the strategy towards flood mitigation and prevention? The evidence is before us.
When a city is preparing for rainy season, it becomes very evident for all to see. The paths to the pumps are cleared and screens cleaned. The city engineers have access to the information of what is done elsewhere and what needs to be done in Georgetown to ensure a smooth rainy season. Politics may play a role, but with a good process for flood prevention, this can also be minimized. Editor, a capital that is being managed by the PNC / APNU under a PPP Government should not suffer due to political differences.
Yes, if the government and the M&CC were of the same political party or the M&CC was managed by a neutral party, things would possibly be better. We must remember that Georgetown continues to be the heart of Guyana and its poor management reflects on the country as a whole. Only we the citizens can decide if the status quo is acceptable or if improvements must be made. Each vote during the local government elections will speak to what standard of living is demanded in Georgetown and across the country. We must see the desired improvement in flood prevention.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
