THE Mayor and City Council, earlier this year, cited their intention to re-introduce zoning in the city of Georgetown.
To me, that is an unenviable task and a valiant effort to restore order within the capital city. Guyanese, at home and abroad, like to boast and impress others about their visits to other cities in the world where public order is evident. It is obvious that such developments did not occur by mere wishes in those countries. So, it is timely that we move beyond admiration of others and seek to realise similar standards at home.
The need for public order is indeed overdue, something zoning can ably correct. It will require massive adjustments and may not be as easily attainable, unless the citizenry and business community fully comprehend and endorse the M&CC’s ultimate objectives. What the M&CC should consider, however, are the mood and intellects of citizens as it pursues this initiative. We do not need another ‘Parking Meter’ type fiasco.
There is a whole new generation of citizens who seem out of touch with internationally acceptable norms and modern urban standards. Some do not even understand what a residential area is. I can say so unreservedly because in almost any area one can find people placing large sound systems in their vehicles or on their verandahs to blast off melodies at decibels that would literally crack the walls of neighbouring buildings, not to mention the ears and chests of living creatures within proximity.
With a generation that seems to enjoy the free for all of living however and wherever, without the basic recognition or regard for such areas as “silent zones” — honking their vehicle horns near hospitals and courts of judicature, or playing music carts near churches and schools, the efficacy of zoning by-laws would be more than welcome. They will, however, require consistency in their implementation and effective policing to ensure that there is public adherence to the relevant by-laws.
The M&CC, therefore, will need to embark on mammoth public consultation and education. They must also ensure that zoning implementation does not create undue contention or violation of property rights. The M&CC, through its twinning and collaborative relations with other cities, can present ‘Best Practices’ as ‘buy-ins’ to posit their initiative for zoning, and create awareness of the benefits associated with such standards .
Zoning will not only restore order and civility within the capital but will, by extension, be the catalyst for urban expansion with the creation of new industrial areas, particularly for those types of businesses that present environmental and safety hazards within traditional residential areas, or those that may need to be relocated for violation of operational regulations within the city.
Regards
Orette Cutting