Private sector pledges support for Govt’s major drainage, city beautification drive 

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has pledged its full support to the Guyana Government’s city beautification efforts, including the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project being rolled out by the multi-agency National Drainage Task Force established by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
On Tuesday, PSC members met with Minister of Housing Collin Croal, who is a member of the Task Force, where they were presented with a comprehensive plan to address drainage and other issues in the capital city.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commission said it remains committed to collaborating with key Government stakeholders to advance sustainable solutions that enhance the city’s infrastructure and overall liveability.
“The Task Force presented on a comprehensive City Beautification Project, which includes improving drainage, cleaning parapets, removing derelict vehicles and structures, and strengthening solid and wastewater management, all aimed at revitalising and beautifying the capital city,” the PSC noted in the statement.
“The presentation identified key issues contributing to Georgetown’s drainage challenges and outlined practical, long-term solutions. Upgrading and modernising the city’s drainage system will be the first priority, as it is essential to the overall success and sustainability of the project,” it added.
According to the PSC, it pledged its full support for the project and stands ready to serve as a strong advocate and partner in fostering a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Georgetown.
Consultations on the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project are currently ongoing.
In addition to Minister Croal, other members of the Task Force are Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn; Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Mr Lionel Wordsworth; and Director General of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Mr Anand Persaud. They were supported by key agencies on the Task Force, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Sea and River Defence, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.
During the consultation sessions, Wordsworth presents a technical overview, highlighting that the existing network, developed years ago, is severely strained and inadequate for present-day demands. In his presentation, Wordsworth notes that increased urban expansion, higher percentages of impermeable surfaces, and the compounding effects of climate change have exacerbated the problem. Data indicates a significant increase in average rainfall, which has moved from approximately three inches 50-60 years ago to between six and eight inches today.
To combat these issues, the Government is pursuing a strategy focused on a combination of rehabilitation works, new drainage infrastructure, increased maintenance protocols, and the deployment of additional pumps to improve overall efficiency. This project is a core component of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.