M&CC pledges to strengthen municipal systems, improve sanitation, enhance drainage in 2026

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026, pledging to strengthen municipal systems, improve sanitation and waste management, enhance drainage and flood mitigation and foster stronger partnerships to improve the quality of life for city residents. In his New Year’s message, Mayor Mentore said the vision of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for 2026 is centred on renewal, responsibility and collaboration. He noted that efforts will focus on building a cleaner, safer and more organised city through improved municipal management, sustainable development policies and greater civic participation. The Mayor stressed that environmental stewardship must be a shared responsibility, urging citizens to show greater respect for Georgetown’s canals, streets, parks and public spaces. He warned that littering, improper waste disposal and environmental neglect undermine public health and place unnecessary strain on city resources, adding that environmental care is not solely the responsibility of the Council but a civic duty shared by all residents.

Mayor Mentore also called on businesses, residents and property owners to honour their civic obligations, emphasising that the timely payment of rates and taxes and adherence to municipal regulations are critical to the Council’s ability to deliver services. “I also urge and implore entities, businesses, residents and property owners to honour the civic obligations to the city. The timely payment of rates and taxes and adherence to the municipal regulations are essential to the Council’s ability to deliver services and implement developmental initiatives. A strong city depends on responsible citizens at every level of the way,” the Mayor said.
Looking ahead, he intends to engage the central Government in major partnerships and collaboration, particularly to address outdated municipal laws that continue to affect the city. He revealed plans to write to the Law Reform Commission and engage the Minister of Local Government to push for reforms, including changes to valuation laws for rating purposes that impact Georgetown and communities across Guyana. Addressing vending and public order challenges, Mayor Mentore said the Council will continue efforts to resolve longstanding issues affecting vendors, particularly in the Robb Street area. He noted that plans are underway to relocate vendors to Merriman’s Mall, where a structured marketplace with proper sanitary facilities, lighting and amenities will be developed, transforming the area into a graded market for the city.
“So outside of the mandamus itself as it relates to that particular issue, we’ll be building out a marketplace there that will allow for those people to be properly housed and to have sanitary facilities and lights and other amenities there so that we can have that place properly treated… so that that will become the great market of the city of Georgetown. Outside of that particular issue, I believe that there are significant plans and significant planning, so to speak, of where we’re at from our budgetary standpoint for 2026,” Mentore explained.
Drainage and flood mitigation will also be a priority in 2026. The Mayor said while Central Government is investing heavily in secondary canals and outfalls, the Council will allocate resources to improve primary drains to ensure proper flow into the drainage system and ultimately into the Demerara River and the Atlantic Ocean. He further noted that following Government assistance to address issues at the Le Repentir Cemetery, the council will allocate funds to rehabilitate bridges within the cemetery. Additionally, plans are in place to address idle municipal assets by seeking investors and exploring partnerships with central Government to generate revenue that can be reinvested into city services.
Mayor Mentore said strengthening ties with community-based groups, faith-based organisations and non-Governmental organisations (NGO) will be key to fostering social cohesion and improving public and environmental health. He also highlighted plans to invest in youth development, sports, arts and culture, while preserving Georgetown’s identity as a garden city. The Mayor also revealed plans to work with international embassies to support cultural initiatives and to revitalise City Hall as both a functional administrative space and a hub celebrating Georgetown’s history, culture and future vision. He further announced plans for increased transparency through town hall meetings, community outreach and a new digital engagement programme titled Georgetown Matters, aimed at keeping citizens informed and involved on a regular basis.