Six additional solid waste sites will be established in strategic locations across Guyana this year, with existing systems slated for upgrade. Making the disclosure in the Committee of Supply on Wednesday was the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.
The sum of $1B was allocated in this year’s budget for solid waste management interventions, as the country grapples with an increase in solid waste accumulation. The Minister noted that the existing systems are being overwhelmed. He noted that an additional $885M has been set aside to upgrade and expand these existing systems, with $300M earmarked for works at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Site on the East Bank of Demerara.
He added that the increase in demand for more sites stems directly from the country’s expanding oil and gas industry triggering a construction boom accross all regions.
Since 2020, the government has made significant investments to enhance awareness of proper sanitation practices and solid waste management countrywide. The President, Dr Irfaan Ali has personally led clean-up exercises in the Capital and other areas along coastal Guyana. Already, the government has held a number of consultations to create a strategic plan to strengthen and develop the country’s solid waste management system.
