GTown residents call for stronger waste management enforcement

Residents from Constituencies Seven and Eight in the capital city of Georgetown have strongly welcomed the Government’s ongoing drainage improvement initiative while also urging authorities to strengthen city maintenance, improve garbage collection, and enforce penalties for derelict vehicles left along public roads.

During two community consultations on Saturday evening – one held at St Rose’s High School for residents of Lacytown, Bourda and Stabroek, and the other at the First Assembly Church parking lot for residents of Wortmanville, Werk-en-Rust, Robbstown and Newburg – participants voiced deep concern over the current state of the city.
They agreed that while drainage works are essential, long-term success depends on proper upkeep and civic responsibility.
Many residents called urgently for improved garbage collection schedules and stricter monitoring of waste disposal, stating that clogged drains are often the result of inconsistent collection and illegal dumping. They recommended harsher penalties for individuals and businesses that dispose of garbage irresponsibly.
Another major concern raised was the increasing number of derelict vehicles abandoned along roadsides. Residents noted that these vehicles obstruct drainage channels, trap garbage and contribute to flooding. They proposed firm penalties, routine removal exercises, and a structured system to prevent vehicles from being left unattended for long periods.
Housing Minister Collin Croal opened the meetings by outlining the Government’s comprehensive plan to restore the city’s drainage system. He detailed coordinated short-, medium- and long-term interventions aimed at improving efficiency, upgrading key infrastructure and reducing flood vulnerability in high-risk communities.

A technical presentation was delivered by Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, who summarised findings from multiple studies conducted over the years. He outlined the measures recommended to strengthen the city’s drainage network and improve water flow.
Minister Croal also emphasised that this initiative forms part of a wider, multi-agency task force established to address Georgetown’s drainage challenges. The team includes the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Ministry of Public Works, Culvert Venture City Engineer Kevin Samad, the Sea Defence Department, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.
Residents welcomed this unified approach and expressed optimism that meaningful improvements are finally within reach. They stressed, however, that infrastructure upgrades must go hand-in-hand with proper waste management, routine maintenance and strong enforcement measures to ensure sustainable change.