THE idea of the government moving the country in the direction of establishing a green state is commendable since it presents opportunities to address deficiencies in the society. To achieve this national planning will have to be underpinned by strong regional planning guided by the requisite census that would inform resources allocation. The Statistical Bureau plays an important role in this regard and it cannot be understated the importance of it being staffed with the competent skills.
Where there may exist strong views that the achievement of goals necessitates significant funding, thereby justifying deferral, the truth is some things can be addressed with limited resources yet still achieve transformative results. One such is our physical environment. The importance of tackling this as a matter of urgency is seen daily in our most densely populated areas which continue to be a challenge.
As governments and world bodies are placing premium on health and wellness as critical in human development, emphasis needs to be placed on our physical environment for it impacts in significant and un-recognised manner. An unhealthy environment adversely impacts health, the air we breathe and poses threats to our wellness through various risks such as communicable diseases and injuries.
It may be opportune for Guyana to commence a programme of cleaning and maintaining all embankments and streets between Crabwook Creek, Corentyne and Charity, Essequibo Coast; the East Bank of Demerara to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and Soesdyke to Linden. Using these areas as a pilot project would signal the country’s commitment to improving its human development.
Much benefit can be derived from such a programme since it can ensure continuous removal of solid waste, maintaining of the canals and channels which allow for freeing of the waterways and avoiding flooding. An investment of this nature could also realise not only a decorative planting programme but fruit trees which would result in increased production of fresh juices and other by-products, replacing the canned produce, and minimising the use of foreign currency. Such a project could also shape Government’s intent in re-activating the village economy for it creates employment and other economic activities.
The Neighbourhood Democratic Councils could be encouraged to develop with Indigenous programmes to maintain the embankment and parapets in their communities, via by-laws with an eye at the same time of economically utilising the respective space. Jobs in this area are labour intensive and low skilled but such should not be seen as a deterrence given the presentation of opportunities to earn. The cultivation and ensurance of pride in earning one’s money as against the syndrome of having to depend on others to provide should never be underestimated. Dependency undermines pride and retards self-determination, and where for years some out of necessity felt compelled to rely on the benevolence of others such ought not to become a cultural norm or deemed acceptable.
None can deny that travelling across Guyana there are areas pleasing to the sight and some worthy to be frowned on and condemned, and it is worse during the rainy season. However, what is woefully lacking is a universal strategy of maintaining the physical environment unlike other societies we have come to appreciate. Pockets of attractiveness are far and too few apart, including within so-called upscale neighbourhoods. Guyana needs a culture shift in thinking and behaviour.
This may require laws and public education, but the time is past nigh where the cultivation of national pride should be exemplified in every sphere. Improving the physical environment should not only be confined to lawns, embankments and parapets but to correcting the appearances of buildings, lamps and telephone posts and cables. For instance, where government independently or in partisanship with communities and businesses sets the tone, home and business owners will be inspired and motivated to keep their surroundings attractive. Creating competition and neighbourhood associations can form incentives for setting and maintaining behavioural changes.
Government could partner with the utility companies in an advisory role to ensure the physical appearance of poles and lines confirm to established acceptable standards. There’s no denying the appearances are unacceptable, evident with leaning poles, sometimes even into the roadways. Wires are looping in an unsightly manner, including on buildings and trees. Corporate responsibility could attend to these hazards and threats.
As simple or taken for granted this project may sound, should it be implemented the physical transformation of this country would be impressive. In many instances, all that development requires is an idea and the will to make it happen. Not at all times does the development require significant up-front funding, though at all times it requires the will to implement and maintain.
