Kingston/Tiger Bay set for major upgrades under Georgetown Drainage Plan

…Pres Ali to meet with residents today

The Kingston/Tiger Bay area in Georgetown is earmarked for major upgrades under the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project.
President Dr Irfaan Ali convened a meeting on Friday evening with the recently formed multi agency team that was assembled earlier this month to develop the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Plan and to help restore the beauty of the capital city.

During the meeting, the Head of State received an update on the progress made so far as he encouraged stakeholders to advance “a journey of change”, according to a statement from the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, during the meeting, he asked the team to focus their attention initially on the Kingston/Tiger Bay area.
The President disclosed his vision for the area, which includes trees, green spaces, and recreational areas for families.
This, he explained, could be achieved by mixing urban and green agendas, including the installation of special concrete boxes for plants and fruit trees.
“Our objective is to ensure that children grow up in inspirational settings,” he is quoted as saying in the statement.
Among the officials at the meeting were Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand and Minister of Housing Collin Croal.
On Saturday, Minister Manickchand hosted a public consultation and partnership engagement with entrepreneurs and businesses operating within the Kingston and Tiger Bay areas.
She was accompanied by the Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.

During the engagement, Minister Manickchand outlined President Ali’s Georgetown Restoration Plan, which aims to restore Georgetown to its former glory as the Garden City.
Minister Manickchand highlighted that achieving this vision requires strong collaboration among the business community, residents, and Government. She emphasised the importance of maintaining clean public spaces, promoting civic pride, and ensuring that the environment supports both commercial activity and community wellbeing through healthy, wholesome activities that promote culture and togetherness.
According to a statement from the Ministry, entrepreneurs welcomed the platform to express their concerns, offer recommendations, and explore ways they can partner with the Government to improve cleanliness and strengthen the overall livelihood of Kingston and Tiger Bay.
Additionally, it was noted that discussions centred on coordinated efforts for sustainable community development through opportunities for all, quality education, waste management, beautification, and the sustaining of all initiatives.
Meanwhile, today, the Ministry of Local Government will join President Ali for a meaningful engagement with residents where further sensitisation and community engagement will take place.
“This continued effort underscores the Government’s commitment to working directly with citizens and businesses to uplift communities and advance the nationwide drive for a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Guyana,” the Ministry noted.
The Georgetown Drainage Development Plan is a core component of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Among other things, it will focus on a combination of rehabilitation works, new drainage infrastructure, increased maintenance protocols, and the deployment of additional pumps to improve overall efficiency.
Last week, the multi-agency team hosted consultations with residents and businesses across Georgetown on the plan.
The Private Sector Commission has already pledged its full support of the initiative.