Pres Ali pushes national drive for cleaner communities, expanded landfills, green spaces

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday met with Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Priya Manickchand, and a team of technical government staff to advance Guyana’s national solid waste management and beautification programmes.

During the meeting, the president announced plans for the establishment of new landfill sites and the expansion of existing ones across the country. He said the move is part of the Government’s wider commitment to cleaner communities and sustainable waste management solutions.
The Head of State also pointed to the collaborative roles of the Housing Ministry and the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, noting that both agencies will work with the Local Government Ministry to identify locations for green spaces and beautification projects. Work under this initiative is expected to begin before the end of the year.
Last week the Local Government Ministry that the Government is taking steps to strengthen national waste management systems and promote environmental sustainability, with a focus on establishing modern landfill sites across the country’s administrative regions.
According to the Ministry, this initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to build cleaner communities while addressing challenges linked to population growth, housing development, and urban expansion. Upgrading landfill facilities is intended to provide long-term solutions that protect public health, reduce pollution, and improve living standards.
The ministry last Tuesday said that an inter-agency meeting was held bringing together Ministers and senior officials to discuss the project. Discussions focused on identifying suitable locations for sanitary landfills, considering population density, land availability, accessibility, environmental impact, and operational sustainability. Officials also reviewed challenges with existing landfill practices and emphasised the need for facilities aligned with environmental standards.
Minister Manickchand had highlighted the importance of effective landfill management for safeguarding public health, protecting natural resources, and supporting community well-being. Minister Croal noted that as new housing developments continue, adequate infrastructure, including modern waste management systems must be in place to support sustainable settlements. Minister within the Housing Ministry, Vanessa Benn had emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration to ensure that landfill development is comprehensive, technically sound, and future-proofed. The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision for sustainable development, recognising waste management as a key component of public health, urban planning, and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, ministers attending Monday’s meeting with the head of state included Minister of Housing, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally; and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.