Dear Editor,
After the extensive clean up undertaken by His Excellency immense flooding continues. It is becoming clearer every time this reoccurs that we are in need of a new Capital City. Unless there is plan for the re-engineering of our sea defense and drainage system, which can compensate for the expected sea level rise and increased rainfall, the investments in our city roads and infrastructure will be short lived. There has been several discussions about Bartica and the technology hub on the Linden Highway, but maybe we should also consider the center of the country where the administration of the entire nation would be easier to administer.
In the near term, Bartica appears to be the most viable option and the previous study of the area supports the establishment of a major city that can support the current population of Georgetown. The altitude is just over 20 meters above sea level and its position near the Essequibo River will allow for cruise ships to experience our ecotourism offering. Given its proximity to Kaieteur Falls,
further development of Mahdia will also help strengthen the tourism sector and lead to an increase in the growth of the interior of the country. This area is over 400 meters above sea level and can be a place of enduring development.
These are important long term considerations that our Parliament must discuss as we lay plans to transform and develop the country. There is so much hard work and effort going into improving our nation, let’s ensure that everyone’s efforts do not go to waste. The first step would be a feasibility study on whether redesigning our sea defense and drainage system will be sufficient to manage the new normal that will come as a result of climate change. If it is determined that this is not feasible, then Parliament must agree to move further inland. The urgency of such a study cannot be understated. The funds are becoming available and should be spent where it matters most. Let’s build and transform our beautiful country upon solid ground so that the legacy of this generation will endure long into the future.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana