Major waterfront redevelopment is planned for Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling – Pres Ali

…community to see more improvements

President Mohammed Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening announced a major redevelopment project for the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling waterfront, signalling the government’s continued commitment to infrastructure modernisation and regional development.
Vendors and traders near the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling stand to benefit significantly from the ambitious redevelopment project. The initiative aims to modernise the entire waterfront, creating a more welcoming, business-friendly environment that will drive economic growth.
The announcement was made during a community outreach session with residents of Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).

During his address, the Head of State emphasised the strategic importance of the waterfront area to economic activity and transportation in the region, noting that the upcoming transformation will enhance both its functionality and visual appeal.
“As soon as we get past September, we want to commence working on a modern waterfront development at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling. A modern waterfront development that will ensure those who are selling there are selling in a state-of-the-art, high-value area with a boardwalk, restaurants, entertainment – everything. A massive commercial waterfront at Vreed-en-Hoop. Imagine what that does for your properties again.”
Under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling has evolved from a decaying river terminal into a focal point of modernisation efforts—undergoing structural repairs, channel dredging, and broader facility upgrades, while being integrated into a larger maritime development strategy.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese Head of State also highlighted several critical issues that will soon be addressed within the community, including improvements to drainage and irrigation systems, the road network, and housing development.
He emphasised that tackling these concerns is a key part of the government’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of all Guyanese, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic background.
“The first one is the drainage issue. Am I not right? So right now, we have an amphibious excavator working… by the façade there. But that alone can’t solve the problem because a big part of the problem is your internal drains. The interlocking drains. So, I said to Lionel that I wanted to come back and work out with the community how we can deploy some small pieces of equipment to help you with those interlocking drains… By the end of this year, every single one of your roads will be completed,” the president disclosed, likely referring to Lionel Wordsworth, Chairman of the NDIA (National Drainage and Irrigation Authority).
The head of state added, “The third issue is Plastic City. And that’s a very technical issue. We have done the assessment: 40% of those who are there can be regularised. Which means that 40% of those who are there might be able to stay there based on the survey; 60% of the people who are there, though, are in areas that are a threat to them and their safety and health. We’re going to sit with you. And if 60% of you are ready, we’re going to ensure those who have house lots and those who need allocation will get that allocation in Wales. And that is high-value land you’re going to.”
Plastic City is a shanty town located in Vreed-en-Hoop, Guyana, near the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its informal settlements, often built from scrap materials, and the challenging living conditions its residents face.
Many of its residents are Venezuelan refugees, particularly the Indigenous Warrau people, who have fled poverty and instability. They often live without access to basic necessities like clean water and electricity.