Dear Editor,
The obvious is restated to furnish context: there are too many vehicles, too few roads, and too little space, especially in Georgetown proper. The related problems are exacerbated when one adds careless pedestrians and reckless drivers, which result in an overheated, snarling traffic monstrosity.
What to do about burgeoning traffic woes and congestion blues? Some thoughts are shared. I caution those citizens and road users prone to hyperventilation that some of the proposals embedded in this writing may not be welcome reading.
First, ban all private cars from entering the city between the hours of 06:00hrs and 18:00hrs. Except for commercial traffic (taxis and deliveries) nobody else allowed. City residents get a parking permit for in front of their address; they are not allowed to park anywhere else.
Second, construct massive parking facilities along the arteries leading to Georgetown. As examples, there is Pattensen, and there is still some space in neighbouring Turkeyen. Sacrifices must be made by using commercially viable land along the East Bank Demerara that approaches the city; this can be reserved for parking development.
Third, established companies should be granted concessions (customs and accounting) to operate bus fleets to move workers from parking facilities or residence to workplace. Telecommuting is expensive, and should be in the works, but this has to happen to complement other efforts.
Fourth, institute a moratorium on the importation of private vehicles.
Fifth, implement a prohibitive tax on owners of second vehicles.
Sixth, introduce a staggering of official hours. Example from 06:30hrs to 15:30hrs and 08:30hrs to 17:30hrs. Schools hours must be aligned accordingly.
Seventh, relax the onerous document requirements that make no sense in this age, but which compel multitudes of citizens to be travelling back and forth endlessly for the most routine issues.
Things that appall include: rubber stamps, original signatures, and originals. Eliminate these anachronistic fetters that float and empower bureaucracy and crowd the thoroughfares.
Before irate citizens rise up to have me committed, I share that some of these radical proposals, if implemented, will impact me too. This is part of our growing pains, our individual sacrifice, and willingness to adapt for much needed improvement. Look! All can wish for a new administrative capital, but the money and time for such a laudable development are not at hand. Decentralizing of business and government only goes so far.
I submit that some combination of the steps recommended will make a difference to the growing nightmare on our streets. There can be the added benefits of new employment, reduced gasoline bill all around, and pollution control, among other things. I think that civility can return to town and modernity to the capital. Citizens get to hold on to their sanity, and the purity of their language. If not it is more mayhem with no end in sight.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
