Editor,

I applaud the writer of such an important article about the emerging and booming business set up that is being established on Kairaba Avenue.
I have noticed on my recent visit that Kairaba Avenue has undergone some complete metamorphosis for our common good. It is becoming our "Wall Street". As I have indicated before, the KMC can capitalise on this golden opportunity and rezone that area and demarcate it as a business district that must conform to acceptable standards that will make it palatable for the consumers, the business community and potential investors.

Here are my suggestions:
1. The chamber of commerce must rush to address the needs of the business community in that area by sensitising and educating all the parties concerned, i.e. KMC, the business community and the consumers about the potentials that Kairaba Avenue offers today.
 
2. The KMC should look into possibilities of improving the road networks in and around the immediate surroundings of Kairaba Avenue. Such a move will allow businesses to expand into the neighbourhood and thus have a positive impact on property values and subsequently improve the revenue base of KMC.

3. KMC should regulate the flow of traffic and urge motorists, especially public transportation, to obey stringent rules and creat specific loading/disembarking zones with required time limits that must be aggressively and consistently followed without fear or favour, and reprimand violators.

4. The businesses must be enticed to create ample parking areas that will not encroach upon public ease (I believe the barricades in front of the US Embassy are a traffic hazard and must be removed to allow road expansion). The embassy can lobby with KMC to discourage parking in front of her premises. 'No Parking' zones can be created.

5. The businesses/establishments must be encouraged to create acceptable landscaping ideas that will beautify the area and also create universal groundcover i.e. grasses that will eliminate the dust which is a health hazard.

6. The lighting and signs must be regulated to conform to uniform standards.

7. The KMC should encourage the businesses/establishments to create and maintain connecting sidewalks that will entice consumers to shop till they drop. The KMC must be fully involved in this development that will create employment for our Gambian youths who must be encouraged to venture into lucrative avenues like electric work, sign designing, landscaping, and so on.
The sky is the limit!!! Yes we can!!!

latjorr@yahoo.com