Local Govt Minister outlines plans to modernise facilities, markets, local Govt

– as part of broader plan to decentralise governance, improve quality of life

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand on Thursday outlined the governments sweeping plans to modernise solid waste management, rehabilitate markets and strengthen local government organs across Guyana, as she defended the 2026 Budget during the fourth day of debates in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.
A key pillar of the ministry’s programme is the construction of eight new modern landfill sites as part of a revamped national approach to solid waste disposal. According to the minister, the new facilities will move Guyana away from traditional linear waste management toward a circular model that emphasises reuse and recycling.
“To this end we are building eight new landfill sites,” Minister Manickchand said, noting that facilities will be constructed at Zorg-en-Hoop in Region Two; La Grange/Catherina in Region Three; Lusignan in Region Four; Blairmont in Region Five; Mabaruma in Region Six; Ten Miles in Region Seven; Bon Success in Region Nine, and Mabura in Region Ten.
“These landfill sites, sir, are going to be modern landfill sites that look at a circular way of disposing of solid waste. We were looking at linear ways in the past, where we look at usage and disposal, we’re now looking at usage, disposal, reusing,” she informed the House.
The minister said the new system will require a cultural shift in how citizens dispose of waste, including the introduction of recycling education in schools and communities. She added that all landfill sites will be equipped with lighting and access roads, with road construction alone estimated to cost about $1.2 billion.
In addition, every Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and municipality will receive at least one garbage compactor truck, with some receiving two, along with shredders and market compactors to improve waste handling.
“But what we can guarantee you is that you may get a solution from us, you would not get a solution from you, because we didn’t get one from you for the five years that you were in office,” the Minister said in response to criticism from the Opposition, as she singled out APNU MP, Saiku Andrews.

Strengthening local government bodies
Alongside waste management, the minister detailed significant allocations aimed at empowering local government organs through greater autonomy and capacity building. Under the 2026 Budget, each of the country’s 70 NDCs will receive $30 million, while each of the 10 municipalities will receive $50 million.
“This budget this year is catering to give each neighbourhood democratic council $30 million and each municipality $50 million,” she said.
“The NDCs will get a total of $2.1 billion and the municipalities $500 million, and this is where we expect some level of autonomy where these local government bodies, through consultation with their communities, are going to determine what might be best for their neighbourhoods to develop,” she added.
Minister Manickchand said too that the ministry is also investing $480 million to construct eight new NDC buildings and rehabilitate five others, guided by a standardised prototype to ensure consistent service delivery.
“We know we need a help desk. We know we need a cashier. We know we need a single window. We know we need a place for the clerk. We know we need a place for the rate collection person. We’re drawing a prototype so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time,” she explained.

Municipal infrastructure
Municipal infrastructure will also benefit, with $150 million earmarked this year for the construction and rehabilitation of town council buildings in Rose Hall, Mahdia and New Amsterdam.
Major investments are also planned for markets nationwide, which the minister described as central to Guyanese culture, commerce and social life.
A total of $4.9 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation, reconstruction or construction of markets across the country.
“This year, Mr Speaker, $4.9 billion will be spent on either rehabilitating, rebuilding or constructing new markets,” she said, adding that $2 billion will go towards the restoration of Stabroek Market and Bourda Green Market.
Other markets slated for works include East Ruimveldt; Albouystown; Rose Hall; Number 79; New Amsterdam; Mahdia; Lethem; Mackenzie; Port Kaituma; Suddie; Leonora; Zeelugt; Vreed-en-Hoop; Tuschen; Mon Repos; Rosignol; Palmyra; Port Mourant; Bath, and Soesdyke, as well as several vending areas.
“We want our vendors to operate in a wholesome, organised space where they can earn for themselves and their families, and we want shoppers to have the experience that would be pleasant for them to shop in the market,” the minister said.
Minister Manickchand framed the investments as part of a broader vision for decentralised governance and improved quality of life in communities across all regions.
“Our citizens want a wholesome, clean, safe community to live in,” she noted. “Our citizens want homes that they can call their own… roads that they can walk down safely on because there are street lights… playgrounds, health centres that work, schools that deliver solid education. That’s what our citizens want, and we’re hearing them, and we’re listening to them.”
In concluding her contribution, the minister said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government remains committed to delivering on its promises and adjusting course where necessary.
“We promise you and we commit to you that we are your servants. We will work hard every day to deliver, and where we falter we are willing to correct ourselves and serve the people of this country,” she declared.