To an even lovelier Cityscape

By Randy Batson
| Fri, September 07, 2012 - 12:00 AM

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The powers that be must be commended for pushing ahead with plans for the further beautification of Bridgetown.

One refers specifically to the greening of the Church Village area which has already started, and phase two of the refurbishment of the Constitution River, which was previously announced.

Undoubtedly, these two projects will do much to enhance the Cityscape and make these less than salubrious spots within Bridgetown far more aesthetically pleasing.

However, one hopes that the Government would use whatever resource it can to commit to simultaneous renovation on The River Terminus and the Fairchild Street Market. It would be pointless to beautify the Constitution River without a major transformation of theses adjoining spots.

As they are, they look like slum areas found in countries far less prosperous than ours, and do not befit our level of development.

Furthermore, if we want to sell our capital as a major World Heritage Site, we cannot have such eyesores in the more traversed points of The City.

It behoves any administration going forward to commit to an extensive overhaul of The City in general and certain areas in particular. These would include in addition to those above the former Empire building, Golden Square and the Cheapside PSV Terminal.

The terminals in particular do need to be appropriately outfitted with shelters for the large number of commuters who use them, as well as facilities for the PSV crews, islands for loading and disembarking, better lighting, and improved drainage. The authorities may also want to look at ways the areas may be greened.

As for the rampant littering in The City, this may be overcome with appropriate public education, more refuse bins (better placed than they are now), as well as strong enforcement by the relevant authorities.

The detrimental impact of vagrants could be mitigated by a multi-agency approach, with all parties making a concerted and consistent effort to address it from a humanitarian standpoint.

Bridgetown can be made far more beautiful if it is managed properly and we are all on board with seeing it become a city that is the envy of others.