Dear Editor,
After the immense clean-up exercise undertaken by His Excellency, extensive flooding continues. It is becoming clearer every time flooding recurs that we are in need of a new capital city. Unless there is a plan for re-engineering of our sea defence and drainage system to compensate for the expected sea level rise and increased rainfall, the investments in our city roads and infrastructure would be short-lived.
There have been several discussions about Bartica and the technology hub on the Linden Highway, but maybe we should also consider the centre of the country, from where it would be easier to administrate the entire nation.
In the near-term, Bartica appears to be the most viable option, and previous study of the area supports the establishment of a major city that can facilitate the current population of Georgetown. The altitude is just over 20 metres above sea level, and its position being near the Essequibo River would allow for cruise ships to experience our ecotourism offering.
Given its proximity to Kaieteur Falls, further development of Mahdia would also help strengthen the tourism sector and lead to increased growth in the hinterland of the country. This area is over 400 metres 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 no one’s efforts go to waste.
The first step would be a feasibility study on whether redesigning our sea defence and drainage system would be sufficient to manage the new normal that would 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 would endure long into the future.
Best regards,
Jamil Changlee
