THE government is moving to create designated spaces within communities to accommodate neighbourhood businesses, as part of a broader effort to promote orderly development while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the initiative during a community engagement in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, where he outlined elements of the government’s vision for developing model communities across the country.
According to the President, businesses such as mechanic shops, tyre repair businesses and spray-paint operations play an important role in supporting livelihoods, but should operate in locations that do not negatively affect residential areas.
“We want the mechanics to continue working, the tyre shop, the spray-paint shop, but we can’t do that at the expense of the health, safety and peace of all of the community,” President Ali told residents.
Against this backdrop, he disclosed that community reserves will be upgraded to accommodate these types of businesses, allowing commercial activities to continue while preserving the quality of life within neighbourhoods.
“The reserves are going to be upgraded to have these kinds of businesses in those areas,” the President said.
The Head of State related that creating organised spaces for businesses forms part of a wider strategy to foster greater cohesion, compliance and responsible land use within communities.
He noted that as investments continue to improve roads and other public infrastructure, residents must also play their part in maintaining orderly surroundings.
“We can’t build beautiful streets and then have everybody dump their sand on the edge of the street and then park their big trucks to the edge of the street,” he said, adding that communities must exercise greater care and concern for shared public spaces.
The Head of State said communities should be places where residents can coexist harmoniously while balancing residential life with economic activity. To achieve this, he stressed the importance of discipline, adherence to laws and designated areas for different types of activities.
“We have to ensure that there is discipline, that there is compliance with the law. We have to have areas that are designated for different things, and we want everybody to coexist,” he said.
According to President Ali, the government’s vision for community development extends beyond physical infrastructure and includes creating environments that are safe, welcoming and conducive to family life.
He said future community improvements will include enhanced public safety measures, upgraded drainage systems, improved roads and sidewalks, recreational facilities, green spaces and beautification initiatives, all aimed at ensuring communities remain attractive places to live and raise families.
