Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the canal located behind Covent Garden on the East Bank of Demerara.
This canal is surrounded by three schools: Covent Garden Primary School, Covent Garden Secondary School and the kindergarten school. This canal hasn’t been dug for almost a decade. As someone who takes my two grandchildren to school every day, I have witnessed the poor condition of this canal for many years.
The overgrown bushes, stagnant water, and presence of reptiles create an unhealthy and dangerous environment for children, teachers and residents. During the rainy season, when the area floods, the government is often blamed, yet this longstanding issue has not been adequately addressed.
Squatters in four houses have been in the area for almost a decade. I understand that the occupants were compensated to relocate but they still remain there. If other illegal structures, such as my sister ‘s and her children ‘s home in Friendship could be demolished, then the same law should apply fairly to everyone.
As our president has said, “one people, one nation, one destiny”. The laws of our country should be applied equally to all.
I respectfully appeal to the relevant authorities to inspect this area soonest, demolish the houses that have been sitting on the government reserve for many years, clear the canal, remove the overgrown vegetation, and take the necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of our schoolchildren and the surrounding community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I sincerely hope this matter will receive the urgent attention it deserves.