By Mark DaCosta- Traffic congestion has become an issue of concern in many cities and towns, including Georgetown and other urban centres in Guyana. Any observer may note that as any city grows and develops, the influx of vehicles on its roads will inevitably lead to increased traffic congestion if authorities fail to comprehensively upgrade systems and enforce rules. Unfortunately, this is the situation that exists in Guyana as people pour into the country in the context of a rapidly expanding economy.
It is quite interesting how one expert, in particular, defines and characterises traffic congestion.
Anthony Downs – an American analyst – is a respected real estate finance expert, he focuses his research on “smart growth,” traffic congestion, and metropolitan policy. The expert wrote the following:
“Traffic congestion is not primarily a problem, but rather the solution to our basic mobility problem, which is that too many people want to move at the same times each day. Why? Because efficient operation of both the economy and school systems requires that people work, go to school, and even run errands during about the same hours so they can interact with each other. That basic requirement cannot be altered without crippling the economy and society. The same problem exists in every major urban area in the world.”
In other words, the expert says that congestion is a solution to a primary problem – that became a secondary problem.
Researchers, including Mr. Downs – as well as Guyanese observers such as a former senior police officer, and a former Member of Parliament – have made the following general and specific points in their writings.
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One of the primary causes of traffic congestion in Georgetown is the lack of proper infrastructure. The city’s road network has not kept pace with the increasing number of vehicles, leading to bottlenecks and traffic jams. Insufficient road capacity, poorly designed intersections, and inadequate public transportation options contribute to the problem.
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Georgetown has experienced population growth and urbanisation in recent years. The increase in the number of residents, coupled with the rise in private vehicle ownership, has added pressure to the city’s transportation system. As a result, the roads have become overcrowded, leading to congestion during peak hours.
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Another significant factor is the absence of effective traffic management strategies by the Guyana Police Force, and other relevant government agencies. Inadequate traffic signal synchronisation, improper lane markings, and limited enforcement of traffic rules and laws has lead to chaos on Guyana’s roads.
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Insufficient parking spaces and improper and lawless parking practices make the problem worse. Vehicles parked haphazardly on the streets, sidewalks, or in other unauthorised areas reduce road capacity and impede the smooth flow of traffic.
How can the problem be addressed and mitigated? The experts have made the following recommendations:
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The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of Guyana must strategically invest in the expansion and improvement of the road network. This includes widening existing roads, constructing new ones, and creating dedicated lanes for public transportation. Also, upgrading intersections with working, well maintained traffic signals and roundabouts can enhance traffic flow. However, the key is “strategic investment” instead of the current ad hoc approach.
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Developing a reliable and efficient public transportation system – that may run parallel to the mini-bus system – is essential to encourage people to shift from private vehicles. Unfortunately, the PPP government has said that no such plans are being considered.
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Introducing effective traffic management measures including implementing strict enforcement of traffic rules, regulations, and laws.
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Encouraging walking and cycling as alternative modes of transportation can help reduce traffic congestion. Developing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, and promoting public awareness campaigns.
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Encouraging carpooling and ride-sharing in Guyana can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
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Creating adequate parking spaces in strategic locations can help reduce on-street, and on-sidewalk parking, and other illegal parking practices.
The former police commander has said that addressing traffic congestion in Georgetown and other urban centres requires a comprehensive approach, not the haphazard building of infrastructure just for the sake of awarding contracts to cronies of officials that the PPP currently practices.
