Government Agencies Collaborate to Establish Modern and Sustainable Landfills
The Government of Guyana is moving steadily toward strengthening waste management systems and ensuring environmental sustainability, with renewed emphasis on the establishment of modern landfill sites across the administrative regions.
This effort forms part of the Government’s commitment to building stronger, cleaner communities and addressing the challenges associated with population growth, rapid housing development, and urban expansion. By upgrading landfill facilities, the Government aims to provide long-term, environmentally sound solutions that will protect public health, reduce pollution, and improve overall living standards for citizens.
A high-level inter-agency meeting was convened, bringing together ministers and senior officials from across government to collaborate on this critical national priority. Present at the meeting were the Honourable Priya Manickchand, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development; Honourable Collin Croal, Minister of Housing; and Honourable Vanessa Benn, Minister within the Ministry of and Water. They were joined by key technical and administrative leaders, including Mr. Miguel Choo Kang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development; Dr. Josh Kanhai, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration) of the same ministry; Mr. Enrique Monize, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; the Head of Planning at the Ministry of Housing; the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water; and the Secretary of the Central Housing and Planning Authority Board.
The discussions centered on the identification of appropriate sites across the administration regions for the establishment of sanitary landfills. Careful consideration was given to several factors, including population density, land availability, accessibility, environmental impact, and the long-term sustainability of operations. The meeting also assessed challenges with current landfill practices and the urgent need for modern facilities that align with environmental best practices.
Minister Manickchand emphasized that effective landfills are not simply about waste disposal, but about safeguarding public health, protecting natural resources, and enhancing community well-being. She underscored that this project will be pursued with urgency and with full cooperation from relevant agencies to ensure its success.
Minister Croal noted that as new housing schemes are developed across the country, corresponding infrastructure must be put in place to support the growth of communities. He stressed that proper waste management systems, including modern landfill facilities, are essential for healthy, sustainable settlements.
Minister Benn reiterated the ministry’s commitment to collaboration, adding that the shared responsibility of multiple agencies is critical to ensuring that landfill development is comprehensive, technically sound, and future-proofed.
This collaborative initiative reflects the Government of Guyana’s broader vision of sustainable development, in which waste management is recognized as a core pillar of public health, urban planning, and environmental protection. By pooling expertise and resources, the Government is laying the foundation for an integrated approach that will deliver clean, safe, and environmentally responsible landfill facilities for all Guyanese.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, in partnership with other key agencies, will continue technical assessments and stakeholder engagement in the coming months. These efforts will ensure that landfill projects are advanced with efficiency and transparency, ultimately improving the quality of life across Guyana’s ten administrative regions.
