Public consultations kick off for Georgetown’s drainage recovery initiative
As part of the government’s wider effort to revive Georgetown, the first public consultation for the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project began on Monday.
The initiative to restore the city’s aging drainage network follows a coordinated, multi-agency strategy focused on key areas that frequently flood due to deteriorated infrastructure.
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, speaking to residents of Constituency One, outlined how each national partner contributes to this major undertaking, which stems from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s directive.
He explained that “the formulation of this multi-agency team was intended to conduct a rapid assessment of Georgetown’s drainage systems, and the objective is to review all the existing studies to develop a comprehensive drainage plan.”
The Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, and the Georgetown Mayor & City Council are jointly leading the effort.
NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth presented a detailed digital layout showing the current drainage network.
He pointed out priority areas for rehabilitation, proposed new pumping systems, and highlighted opportunities that could allow for elevated parking facilities.
The session included residents and community leaders from Constituency One, which consists of Kingston, Eve Leary, Alberttown, Queenstown, North Cummingsburg, and South Cummingsburg.
Attendees offered feedback and raised issues to help improve the project’s effectiveness and ensure it reflects the needs of Georgetown’s citizens.
Consultations will continue throughout the week across all constituencies as part of the government’s broader mission to restore Georgetown and transform it into a dynamic, flood-resilient city.
