Improved lighting, landscaping, pavements for city avenues

– as Govt moves to restore “The Garden City”

Government has identified other avenues in the city for enhancement works similar to the transformation of the Main Street Avenue in Georgetown.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, the iconic Carmichael Street and Waterloo Street avenues will undergo significant landscaping, improved lighting, and pavement restoration to encourage pedestrian use. Additionally, the Camp Street and Thomas Street avenues are earmarked for comprehensive drainage clearing and the installation of seating areas, aimed at providing citizens with clean, safe recreational spaces in the heart of the city. In alignment with the urban renewal agenda set forth by President Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, recently spearheaded a comprehensive inspection of several key locations earmarked for significant aesthetic and structural upgrades across the capital. The exercise forms part of a multi-agency strategy and seeks to harmonise Georgetown’s historical charm with modern aesthetics, focusing on the restoration of green spaces, restore the city’s historical reputation as the “Garden City” of the Caribbean and the modernisation of public infrastructure. Another area identified for immediate upgrades is the Transport & Harbours Workshop Compound.
The goal is to transition it from strictly industrial utility to a more organised and aesthetically-pleasing waterfront zone. Beyond the visual appeal, the Ministry emphasised that these projects integrate several Government priorities including safety and security as well as environmental sustainability. As part of the next phase of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and with support from the United Kingdom (UK)-based King’s Foundation, Georgetown is set to undergo major transformations in the coming years. The plan envisions Georgetown as a sustainable “Garden City” that highlights Guyana’s biodiversity, cultural heritage, and inclusive development. It includes flagship projects such as recreational spaces and heritage restoration and the Stabroek Waterfront Development. In addition to the rehabilitation of the old Transport and Harbours building, the plan also entails turning the old train station into a new museum and training hub. The plan also focuses on urban green enhancement with upgrades to drainage canals in a touristic style, restoration of urban landscapes and the Lamaha Railway Courtyard project, which will feature a visual walk-through of Guyana’s history. Also key is the expansion into agro-integrated zones, green infrastructure and transport links and revitalisation of the city’s historic civic core, including Stabroek Market and Water Street. Some priorities under the urban framework include housing and infrastructure expansion; improved waste management and sanitation; flood resilience and climate adaptation; heritage protection; and development of a modern transport system to reduce congestion. In addition to Georgetown, the Government will also pursue demonstration projects such as the outer Georgetown low-carbon market town and the Silica City master plan, both geared at piloting models of sustainable urban growth.