Essequibo Coast gets 10 garbage trucks to tackle waste 

Ten garbage compactor trucks were dispatched to Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) on Thursday to support improved sanitation services on the Essequibo Coast.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand had previously announced that the Government intends to ensure that every Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and municipality across the country is provided with at least one garbage compactor truck.

The Government has placed renewed focus on solid waste management, acknowledging concerns raised by residents regarding irregular garbage collection and the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal. The provision of compactor trucks is expected to improve the efficiency of waste collection while helping to reduce illegal dumping and environmental degradation. Up to September last year, only one NDC nationwide had a functioning garbage truck, while four others had trucks that were non-operational. Since then, the Government has begun addressing the issue. Earlier this week, two compactor trucks were delivered to Region One (Barima–Waini), the first such facility for that region, while another was provided to Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
During the presentation of the 10 trucks to the Essequibo Coast on Thursday, Minister Manickchand addressed representatives from several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the Anna Regina Town Council, noting that the initiative is part of the Government’s plan to strengthen waste management systems along the Essequibo Coast. She acknowledged the efforts made by local leaders who travelled from various communities across the region to attend the engagement, including representatives from Charity/Ursara, Evergreen/Paradise, Anna Regina, Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt, Annandale/Riverstown and Good Hope/Pomona.

Manickchand explained that the garbage compactor trucks are being distributed among the NDCs and the municipality on the Essequibo Coast to significantly improve waste collection services for residents. She noted that while there are additional NDCs located along the Pomeroon River, the unique geographical layout of those areas requires separate solutions for waste management.
“So what you’re taking away today would be 10 garbage compactor trucks for the people of the Essequibo Coast,” the Minister said.
She further emphasised that the trucks are intended to directly benefit residents across the various communities and must be used responsibly and fairly by local authorities.
“And so each NDC is going to get either one or two garbage compactor trucks, and this belongs to you… This is for you to use so that your residents, your schools, your health centres, your roadways, and your pathways look different,” she stated.
Manickchand also reminded officials that the equipment must be properly maintained to ensure that the investment delivers long-term benefits. She stressed that systems must be put in place to ensure routine servicing and responsible operation of the vehicles.
“Then we expect to come back and see, one, garbage trucks that are working… So you got to put in place… how to maintain, when to maintain, and how to care for,” she said.
She also revealed that the trucks will be monitored through a central system to ensure accountability and proper usage.
“All of these trucks are tagged, so we will know where they are at any given point, and we are managing them centrally also,” she explained.

Work with residents
In addition to improving waste collection, Manickchand urged local leaders to work with residents to change attitudes toward littering and environmental responsibility, noting that cleaner surroundings will require cooperation between authorities and citizens.
“But we expect to see a cleaner Essequibo Coast. We expect to see you starting campaigns that bring in the kind of energy where people do not want to litter on the streets,” she added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Good Hope/Pomona NDC, Andy Ramnarine, welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Government for fulfilling its commitment to provide garbage compactor trucks to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in Region Two. He noted that the equipment will significantly assist local authorities in improving waste management and maintaining cleaner communities across the region.
“On behalf of Region 2, all my colleagues from the NDCs that will be receiving these garbage trucks, we want to express our gratitude to the Government, more so President Ali, and you as Minister of local Government. I know last year you guys made the commitment towards NDCs receiving garbage trucks, and we want to say how happy we are that the commitment has been fulfilled today,” Ramnarine said.
He also assured that the councils will ensure the trucks are properly utilised and maintained for the benefit of residents.
“And I can guarantee you, on behalf of all the NDCs, that these trucks will be fully utilised and properly maintained and, more so, serve the people of Region Two. As you rightly said, when you come to Region two, you’re going to see a cleaner and a more beautiful Region two,” he added.
With approximately 70 NDCs across Guyana, the Administration has announced that it is working toward ensuring that each council has access to the necessary equipment to manage waste collection effectively by mid-2026.