Regardless of where you live you must have access to good-quality services – Pres Ali

– announces sweeping Wakenaam administrative, infrastructure reforms

“Regardless of where you live – Wakenaam, Leguan or anywhere else – you must have access to good-quality services, healthcare, safe communities and development opportunities,” President Dr Irfaan Ali declared during a community meeting with residents of Wakenaam Island. As the Head of State acknowledged persistent concerns about project delays, contractor performance, drainage and transportation and energy costs, for which he pledged decisive action beginning in 2026, he announced widespread administrative and infrastructure reforms for Wakenaam Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), including the assignment of a senior engineer to oversee all public works, the completion of a long-awaited solar farm aimed at reducing electricity costs and the restoration of the Hercules ferry service to reliably support residents, farmers and commuters.
As part of the reforms, President Ali said one of the Ministry of Public Works’ most experienced engineers will be assigned to Wakenaam Island with immediate effect to lead infrastructure coordination and delivery.
“I am not satisfied with the speed at which some of the projects are being completed,” President Ali told residents. “This Government will continue doing the heavy lifting, and where contractors are not performing, those projects will be terminated.” The engineer has been tasked with developing a comprehensive master plan, in consultation with residents, to complete the island’s main road and all major bridges, as well as to assess the status of all ongoing and stalled projects.

“That project that we started will be completed,” the President assured. “And where contractors are not performing, those projects will be terminated.”
The engineer will also conduct a full audit of existing works, ensuring accountability and accelerating stalled timelines.

Long-standing flooding and drainage concerns
Addressing long-standing flooding and drainage concerns, President Ali announced that a detailed drainage plan will be completed and publicly presented within two weeks. The Ministry of Public Works’ technical teams have been instructed to return to the island to develop a pictorial drainage map, identifying every canal, trench, secondary drain and waterway requiring intervention. “They must place on that plan the name of every farmer who has benefited from drainage support and those who will benefit next,” the President said. “So the island is aware of who is benefiting and when.” The drainage strategy will also align with the Government’s agricultural support programme, particularly for farmers who have received land and drainage assistance under the five-acre initiative.
Reduce electricity costs by 2026
On the electricity side, President Ali confirmed that the Wakenaam solar farm, a major renewable energy investment, is expected to be fully operational and connected by early 2026, with provisions to be included in the upcoming national budget to ensure residents benefit from reduced electricity costs. The contractor has been given until the end of January to complete the project and ensure full interconnection. “By the time the budget is presented, we will make the provisions to have your cost of electricity start coming down,” the President said.
The solar farm forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to lower energy costs, improve reliability and expand renewable energy across riverine and hinterland communities.

Hercules Ferry
Meanwhile, transportation access, a critical concern for residents and farmers, also received urgent attention. President Ali announced that the Hercules ferry will return to service within two weeks, dedicated primarily to Wakenaam and Leguan routes. The ferry will support the growing volume of agricultural produce, commuters and commercial traffic as the island’s economy continues to expand.
“I’ve given instructions that the Hercules come back into operation and be dedicated as a main ferry for Wakenaam and Leguan,” he said.
The President also ordered the Transport and Harbours Department to publish and strictly enforce a ferry schedule, noting that the absence of reliable timetables is unacceptable. “It is unacceptable that a schedule is not in place,” he said. “This is not a Government that hides from issues. We confront and deal with issues.”
President Ali reaffirmed that Wakenaam, like all communities across Guyana, will remain a priority under his Administration.