Concerns surrounding the deteriorating sanitation conditions in Georgetown were spotlighted on Monday as the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) articulated differing strategies to tackle the city’s waste management crisis.
Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand indicated that Central Government intends to take a more hands-on approach in managing drainage maintenance, garbage collection, vendor management, and beautification efforts, citing ongoing governance challenges at City Hall. She emphasized that previous attempts to collaboratively engage with the Mayor and City Council have not yielded results, pointing out significant discrepancies between public statements and private discussions.
“The President has said very clearly that his administration is going to rescue Georgetown. I thought we could do that collaboratively, and I’ve been proven wrong,” Manickchand stated. She called on residents, business owners, and visitors to partake in initiatives aimed at improving the capital city, ensuring it is a wholesome, accessible, and healthy environment.
In line with her new approach, Manickchand announced plans for public engagements. While acknowledging that Central Government oversees much of Georgetown’s infrastructure, including roads and drainage, she noted that garbage collection falls under the City Council’s purview, despite generating about $2.5 billion annually in taxes.
A scheduled meeting between the Minister and the GM&CC did not take place, as Mayor Alfred Mentore and APNU councillors were absent. This boycott reflects ongoing tensions between APNU councillors and Central Government, which have been prevalent since the current council’s formation. Following their absence, APNU councillors participated in a special statutory meeting where they addressed the city’s garbage crisis.
During this meeting, Director of Solid Waste Management Walter Narine reported a 16% increase in garbage levels, attributed to a surge in residents during the holiday season, mechanical issues with garbage trucks, and a reduced workforce during the holidays.
To combat the situation, the council implemented a plan that includes emergency solid waste management measures, stricter anti-littering policies, enhanced enforcement, and public sensitization efforts. This plan also enables the deployment of additional equipment, short-term engagement of private waste contractors, and immediate emergency clean-up initiatives.
Mayor Mentore announced that enforcement actions against illegal dumping will be strengthened, utilizing joint patrols, issuance of notices and fines, and encouraging public reporting mechanisms. As the two entities navigate these challenges, the future of Georgetown’s waste management remains a contentious issue requiring urgent attention.
