…new parks, upgraded drainage, heritage restoration, modern infrastructure planned
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday declared that the longstanding mismanagement of Georgetown “can no longer be tolerated”, as he launched a Government-backed revival plan aimed at transforming the capital into a model city of sustainability, heritage and modern urban development. Speaking at a press conference at the Office of the President, Ali stressed that the capital, once famed as the “Garden City”, has suffered years of inefficiency and neglect under its current management. “The condition of our city and the mismanagement and inefficiency through which the city is managed can no longer be tolerated. And we believe that it is time for us as citizens and as a country to take charge of the situation. And I want to launch from the Government work in advancing the rescue of Georgetown,” the President asserted. Ali announced that with support from the King’s Foundation, the Government is moving to implement a city revival plan. The framework will focus on sustainable urban development, heritage preservation, biodiversity, and citizen engagement. It forms part of the broader Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and outlines 15 flagship projects ranging from new recreational spaces and upgraded drainage networks to architectural restoration and public education campaigns to change attitudes toward waste and city upkeep.
Highlighting Georgetown’s role as the heart of the nation, Ali pointed to billions already spent by the Government on infrastructure, including new highways, expanded housing schemes, drainage upgrades, and the high-span Demerara River Bridge. “Georgetown is our capital. It must project an image of sustainability, celebrate our heritage and showcase the economic and cultural transformation of Guyana,” he said. The President further underscored that future leadership at the municipal level will be critical to the city’s success. “In the coming year or years, we’ll have an opportunity to choose the type of leadership in the city that will allow us to see this city transformed and managed in a way that will make all of us extremely proud,” he added. The revival plan emphasises Georgetown’s historic identity as a garden city, promoting landscaping, green spaces, and biodiversity alongside modern infrastructure. The First Lady’s ongoing work to beautify villages and city streets, Ali said, will complement the Government’s push for cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities. “This is about reclaiming the pride of Georgetown and restoring its rightful place as a symbol of Guyana’s past, present, and future,” Ali declared.
Investing billions
President Ali also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to financing the revival of Georgetown, stressing that the administration has already pumped billions into improving the city’s infrastructure over the last five years.
These investments, he noted, span drainage upgrades, new pumping stations, expanded roads, and beautification projects aimed at ensuring the city is safe, attractive, and economically competitive. “Our focus is on the people. And the people of Georgetown are important to us. The use of the city is important for us, and the image of our capital city is important for us,” Ali declared. He added that recent heavy rainfall demonstrated the success of the Government’s drainage programme, which has significantly reduced flooding in key areas.
The President also pointed to the rehabilitation of the Botanical Gardens and upgrades to the zoo, re-engineered sidewalks, and new roundabouts as part of the capital works already completed. He highlighted that private sector investment has complemented the Government’s spending, with several new hotels, office complexes, and restaurants emerging across Georgetown.
Ali said the revival plan, which is supported in an advisory role by the King’s Foundation, is now entering a new phase focused on beautification, heritage preservation, and cultural enhancement. “The King’s Foundation has tremendous experience in this, and we are very grateful for their support. We have opened ourselves to their advice to accelerate this programme of development,” he explained.
Funding from national budget
While acknowledging the high costs involved, the President made it clear that funding for the revival plan will be drawn from the national budget. “It is budgeted for and part of the investment programme. But it is going to cost a lot of money. We also want to see how we can maximise private sector participation,” he stated.
Against this backdrop, the Guyanese leader emphasised that maintenance and enforcement will be a critical part of the strategy. “Enforcement will be a critical part of the strategy, but we have to first build the infrastructure whilst you do some amount of enforcement, but we have to have a phased approach: the soft, medium, and hard, and then the hard approach. So, it’s a phased approach with a lot of enforcement up front also, but public education in this space. I think a lot of public education and a clear communication strategy are critical at this stage,” he explained.
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