Bringing Amman to former glory?

Mayor of Amman Aqel Biltaji made a solemn declaration at the end of a recent meeting of the Greater Amman Municipality council: that he will henceforth have no tolerance whatsoever for any violations of GAM rules and regulations, including those pertaining to streets and makeshift markets that have become an eyesore for locals and visitors alike.

It is, of course, great to hear the mayor promise to take a stand on those who fail to abide by GAM regulations on a variety of issues affecting the citizens’ well-being and health, or the landscape of our capital city.

Also promising is that, rather than just declare a “hardened” stance, GAM is offering alternative solutions, including building special commercial markets offering products at more affordable prices, instead of the ones that now literally litter Amman and its environs.

The GAM council also discussed and agreed on naming new streets, adding lamp posts to neglected areas and protecting sidewalks from intrusions.

Since it is at it, may we suggest shorter names for the new streets, unlike many existing ones, which are tongue twisters indeed.

No need, really, to add the CV of personalities on streets bearing their names. To satisfy such curiosity, if one exhibits it, GAM or some other entity could come up with a booklet detailing who the personalities that lent their names to streets are.

One other thing GAM can do is to delineate lanes properly, with paint that can withstand extreme weather conditions, in order to promote driving discipline.

The mayor has shown readiness to address the challenges facing Amman. It is expected to be a sustained effort he and his team of assistants undertake to take Amman from an era of relative neglect to a much more dynamic stage befitting our capital.

At the same time, citizens — those who always expect officialdom to serve them without lifting a finger — need to understand that in order to make their city a better place to live, they have to contribute: by not littering, by cleaning at least in front of their houses, by respecting property and fellow citizens, by teaching their children good values and the importance of getting involved in community service, and, above all, by respecting the law.