“We value your input” – Housing Minister as National Drainage Task Force engages GT residents

…calls made for tougher action against dumping of construction materials into drains

The multi-agency National Drainage Task Force on Wednesday continued its series of community consultations, engaging residents of Constituency Three during a meeting at the Bel Air Primary School.

The forum brought together residents from Bel Air Gardens, Bel Air Springs, Prashad Nagar, Belvoir Court, New Haven, Bel Air Promenade, Bel Air Village, Blygezight, Campbellville Housing Scheme, and Sections L-M and A-D Campbellville. Another session was held at the Campbellville Secondary School with residents of Lamaha Gardens, Newtown, and Campbellville.
Leading the discussions were Housing Minister Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn, and Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth.
Croal explained that the Task Force was established by President Dr Irfaan Ali to work directly with communities in Georgetown to identify drainage challenges and develop sustainable solutions. He said the consultations are part of a phased and long-term approach that will address drainage maintenance, environmental management, orderly development, parapet clearing, parking regulations, and beautification.
“If we do not address the management of rainwater and improve the existing drainage system, our other efforts will not yield the results we want,” Croal said. He noted that studies conducted by international partners, including a Japanese research team, will help guide the development of strategies.
“At the end of this process, we will present recommendations to His Excellency, along with both short- and long-term action proposals. We value your input, and today is about hearing your concerns and solutions,” he added.
NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth provided a technical overview of Georgetown’s drainage system, explaining that the city’s low-lying coastal geography makes it vulnerable to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall. He said this challenge is compounded by ageing and inadequate infrastructure, climate change effects, and blockages caused by improper waste disposal.
Wordsworth noted that recent hydrological studies have identified several bottlenecks within primary drainage channels that restrict water flow to the outfalls. The NDIA is preparing targeted interventions aimed at improving drainage efficiency and resilience.
Meanwhile, Minister Benn thanked residents for their participation and emphasised that community involvement is vital to the success of the restoration efforts.
“Your presence demonstrates your commitment to being part of the solution. While some of you have had difficult experiences, your recommendations are valuable as we move toward a more holistic approach to restoring Georgetown,” she said.
During the interactive session, residents raised concerns about the dumping of construction materials into drains and the poor maintenance of wastewater systems. Participants also called for stricter enforcement of regulations and stronger collaboration among communities to prevent clogged waterways.
The team was supported by representatives from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Sea and River Defence Department, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.