Change possible if we really want it

The list of woes has not changed from poor access to healthcare to efficiency at government departments like licensing and Customs.

We cannot to date implement a garbage recycling plan or efficiently repair water leaks and restore the roadway.

Why, one may wonder? The answer is simple: it is impossible in the present structure. These issues can only be resolved with decentralisation and local government reform.

In a September 6 newspapers, there is a report of a major leak in La Brea that took over 15 hours to be repaired.

On Lucknow Street in St James, Port-of-Spain, a burst pipe in the roadway has been leaking for over a week. There are similar stories island- wide.

The efficient repair of leaking pipes and roadway restoration cannot be achieved unless there are regional repair centres in all of the communities in TT .

These community offices that existed prior to independence not only allowed for prompt service but generated local employment and helped build communities.

Until there is a serious effort to rebuild communities, it will be impossible to rebuild our nation. Every town and village must have access to clean running water, a fire and ambulance service, health offices with access to treat wounds, dental care and maternity birthing centres.

There must be access locally to completing vehicular transactions like transferring a vehicle and renewing a driver’s permit.

At the local town centre there must be the ability to pay taxes, pay tickets and gain approval for property development.

The structures for modern effective community management is common in every developed country in the world. That is the challenge for TT . The Tobago House of Assembly was a start in the right direction, now it is time for the rebuilding of our towns and villages.

We need to empower communities to plan their development, control their land usage, raise funds via parking fees and local taxes, receive grants from businesses and well-wishers, and manage their finances subject to oversight by the Treasury.

The ultimate result will be a better TT .

Steve Alvarez via email