By Hgptv

Copyright hgptv

Georgetown – September 17, 2025 – With Guyana producing three times more garbage than it did just a few years ago, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand says urgent measures are being taken to improve solid waste management across the country.

During a visit to the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill on Monday, Manickchand described waste disposal as one of the biggest concerns for residents. She noted that the daily volume of waste has increased from 400 tonnes to 1,200 tonnes, while the number of trucks arriving at the site has climbed from 100 to nearly 400.

The minister said efforts are being made to expand capacity and strengthen systems in partnership with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). She also highlighted upcoming collaboration with First Lady Arya Ali’s beautification project to improve public spaces and encourage cleaner communities.

According to Manickchand, the government has already rolled out several projects to modernize landfills and reduce pollution. At Blairmont in Corentyne, more than $50 million was spent on a landfill and access road. In Region Two, a landfill was established at Charity and an access bridge built at Zorg-en-Hoop Canal.

Investments have also gone into stormwater ponds to ease flooding, and a gas management system to improve safety at landfill sites. Temporary facilities were set up in Regions Two and Seven to minimize pollution, while existing landfills in Regions Six and Nine were upgraded.

The Esplanade site in New Amsterdam was closed due to health risks, and the Lima dumpsite in Region Two was replaced with a new facility. In Region Ten, the Kara Kara dumpsite was also upgraded.

Manickchand said these efforts are part of a wider national strategy to ensure waste is properly managed, communities are protected from pollution, and the country is prepared to handle the demands of continued development.