Call for Greener Design in Georgetown's Avenue Remodeling Efforts

In a letter published in Kaieteur News on October 31, 2026, Royston King, Chairman of Mindful Guyana Inc., addressed the ongoing initiatives to improve the nation's capital. King stated that the Government's efforts to rehabilitate and remodel the city's avenues present a chance to boost civic pride, enhance public areas, and create a more appealing capital for residents, visitors, and future generations.

King clarified that his commentary was not a critique of the Government's commitment to urban renewal but rather a focused observation on the underlying development philosophy and a plea for greater consideration of the city's sustaining ecological systems. He asserted that the crucial question is not whether Georgetown needs modernization, but rather the manner in which it should be modernized.

He cautioned against equating development solely with the installation of concrete, surface hardening, and a uniform urban look. According to the letter, a truly modern city is one that operates in harmony with its natural surroundings, safeguards public health, manages water responsibly, and maintains resilience against climate change. While acknowledging that concrete has a vital role in urban infrastructure, King expressed concern when it becomes the primary design choice, leading to the displacement of vegetation, permeable ground, and natural systems that perform essential ecological functions.

Healthy soils and vegetation are noted for their ability to regulate water, support trees that filter airborne particles, moderate temperatures, and sustain environmental conditions beneficial to urban populations. King argued that the appeal of an avenue should not be judged only by the neatness of its pavement, the uniformity of its finishes, or the extent of its concrete surfaces.

Modern urban design is increasingly recognizing the importance of green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, permeable surfaces, and sustainable stormwater management. King suggested that the current avenue enhancements offer an opportunity to show that urban growth and environmental care can be complementary rather than opposing goals.

King elaborated on the importance of soil, describing it as a living ecosystem containing various microorganisms that aid in nutrient cycling, soil formation, organic matter decomposition, and environmental process regulation. He noted that when healthy soil is sealed by extensive impermeable concrete, its ability to exchange with the atmosphere, absorb water, and support plants is significantly limited. He also mentioned that soil compaction, excavation, and the removal of established trees can worsen these effects.

Regarding public health, King pointed out that healthy soils and vegetation help regulate water, support trees that filter airborne particles, moderate temperatures, and maintain environmental conditions that benefit urban communities. He added that microbial communities in vegetated soils can aid in the natural processing of certain contaminants, though he stressed these benefits are not a substitute for sanitation or public health services.

Concerning stormwater management, King highlighted Georgetown's status as a low-lying coastal city vulnerable to intense rainfall and flooding. He explained that natural ground, planted verges, and properly designed green areas allow rainfall to infiltrate the soil, be absorbed by vegetation, or return to the atmosphere via evapotranspiration, which helps moderate runoff and improve water quality. In contrast, extensive impervious surfaces direct rainwater over paved areas toward roadside drains, potentially increasing runoff volume and velocity, thereby straining drainage systems, especially during heavy rain.

King noted that while concrete itself does not cause flooding, the outcome depends on rainfall intensity, topography, drainage capacity, maintenance, and the design of the entire catchment area. He warned that increasing impervious surfaces without sufficient stormwater retention, infiltration, and conveyance measures can worsen existing drainage issues. Runoff also carries pollutants like oil, grease, sediment, litter, and metals from urban surfaces, which can degrade aquatic habitats if discharged without proper treatment.

He urged consideration of whether avenue remodeling aims only to move water away quickly or if it also creates chances to capture, slow, filter, and reuse rainwater where possible. King stated that an avenue's quality should also be assessed by the shade it offers, the health of its trees, the permeability of its ground, its capacity to handle rainfall, and the comfort it provides to pedestrians. He pointed out that vegetation helps lessen the urban heat-island effect, and green spaces provide habitat for biodiversity.

King cautioned that removing mature trees or failing to provide adequate space for new trees to develop healthy root systems can lead to the loss of environmental benefits that saplings cannot immediately replace. He stressed that in a tropical city like Georgetown, where heat and heavy rain are key design factors, limitations posed by hard surfaces deserve careful attention.

Finally, King emphasized that long-term functionality must be considered, questioning if tree roots will have enough space, if paved surfaces will cause excessive heat, if drains can handle the runoff, and if maintenance plans will protect planted areas and drainage features. He concluded by stating that the ongoing avenue improvements offer a chance to demonstrate that urban development and environmental stewardship are complementary objectives. Modern urban design increasingly values green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, permeable surfaces, and sustainable stormwater management, suggesting that hard surfaces should be used strategically while avoiding paving areas that offer valuable ecological and hydrological functions. For Georgetown, the principle should be to carefully consider every chance to keep healthy soil, protect existing trees, establish vegetation, and manage rainwater near where it falls before sealing ground with concrete.