Editor,
THE ongoing debate surrounding the Central Government’s takeover of 22 roads in the Georgetown Municipality provides an opportunity to reflect on the long-standing challenges of municipal governance, management, and efficient municipal service delivery at City Hall.
For decades, the PNC-controlled City Hall has failed the people of Georgetown. Residents and businesses have had to endure poorly maintained streets, inadequate drainage systems, frequent flooding, and ineffective road planning.
These shortcomings have hampered commerce, reduced mobility, and diminished the quality of life for citizens. Even as far back as 1964, when LFS Burnham’s party came to power, similar failures were evident, demonstrating a persistent pattern of inefficiency. Today, Georgetown’s infrastructure reflects these challenges, with many areas resembling a “shanty city” where basic services remain inconsistent.
While the Municipal and District Councils Act empowers City Hall to manage internal roads, the Roads Act provides a broader legal framework, allowing the Minister of Public Works to designate certain roads for central oversight. This recognises the fact that while local authorities manage community needs, over time, some roads are of such strategic and economic importance and require national-level intervention and management.
The 22 roads identified, including Regent Street, Robb Street and Lamaha Street, fall into this category. They are not merely local streets but critical arteries for commerce, transportation, and urban development, linking residential areas, business districts and national infrastructure.
Past interventions under the Central Government, such as the Fiscal Transfers and Miscellaneous Roads Program, have given the city a facelift, upgrading the city infrastructure, improved drainage and enhanced daily life.
The current initiative builds on this principle. Central oversight allows for better coordination of road maintenance, traffic management, and urban planning. Roads like Regent, Robb, and Lamaha Streets are vital for commuting, business logistics and emergency services. Leaving them solely under the City Hall, with a history of underperformance, risks continued decline.
Critics argue that Central Government intervention undermines local authority. However, the reality is that City Hall has consistently struggled to deliver effective municipal services for the citizens of Georgetown despite collecting rates and taxes and receiving revenue from other sources. Chronic inefficiencies in road maintenance and drainage are well documented.
For Georgetown to develop sustainably, key responsibilities are required to be elevated to the national level. This should not be seen as political interference but as a practical response to ongoing challenges.
History reinforces this point. Since 1964, issues with municipal management and governance have persisted at City Hall, highlighting the need for intervention when local systems fail. Effective road management reduces congestion, improves safety, supports commerce, and enhances the city’s overall appeal. Roads are the lifelines of any city, shaping economic activity and urban life.
Ultimately, City Hall should welcome this initiative. The takeover of these roads is not a threat but a necessary step towards sustainable development. By working collaboratively, City Hall can focus on community-level responsibilities, while the Central Government ensures that critical infrastructure is properly maintained and integrated into national development plans.
In conclusion, Georgetown’s urban challenges are long-standing and well documented. The Central Government’s decision to assume responsibility for key roads is justified and necessary to ensure proper maintenance, improved infrastructure, and the city’s overall economic and social well-being.