With $38.3 billion approved, Minister Parag details plan for market upgrades and waste disposal

On Tuesday morning, the Parliamentary Committee of Supply approved a substantial $38.3 billion budget for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. However, the approval did not come without scrutiny, particularly from the opposition, with several key questions raised by Shadow Local Government Minister, Ganesh Mahipaul.

The exchange primarily focused on concerns over the hiring of new staff and the salaries of key officials. Yet, the most contentious discussions revolved around the government’s plans for solid waste management and the development of municipal and community markets across the country.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, outlined a number of key upgrades and new projects which are set to transform various markets and waste management facilities.

Among the most notable plans are the upgrades to Bourda Market and Bourda Green. These upgrades, including consultancy and construction, are designed to maximise space, potentially adding a two-storey building to accommodate more vendors. Additionally, the East La Penitence Market and city drainage network will see improvements as part of this initiative.

Minister Parag also highlighted plans to rehabilitate Stabroek and East Ruimveldt markets, with several other markets in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 set for construction and upgrades. These include markets in Palmyra, Lethem, Anna Regina, and Mon Repos.

In her answers, Parag acknowledged that solid waste management continues to be a pressing issue. While waste disposal and garbage collection are not directly under the Ministry’s mandate, she said the government is committed to expanding waste management infrastructure across the country.

Last year, 13 new waste disposal sites were developed, and further provisions for their operation have been included in this year’s budget.

A key part of the government’s waste management plans includes the construction of new landfill sites. Notably, the Haags Bosch municipal and industrial waste site is undergoing development, with a new waste cell and a hazardous waste cell. The construction of Cell 3, which began last year, is now 95% complete.

While the site was initially designed to handle 300 tons of waste, it is currently processing 700 tons daily. Additionally, two new landfill sites are being planned for Region 4, one of which will be an extension of the Lusignan waste site.

The government is also consulting with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) on the development of the second site.

Minister Parag also stressed the importance of environmental monitoring, with provisions in the budget for water, air, and quality testing around waste sites. The government continues to manage small amounts of treated waste from ExxonMobil at these locations.

Turning to financial support, Minister Parag revealed that under the current PPP/C government, the country’s Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have been receiving annual grants since 2021, regardless of which political party governs them. These grants have ranged between $4 million and $5 million each year, with a total of $2.8 billion allocated under the subvention programme for this year alone.

This year, $5 million has been allocated for NDCs, $18 million for municipalities, and Georgetown will receive a larger sum of $30 million. These figures are standard annual subventions while the grants vary based on work programme

The Minister assured the House that the government would continue to ensure these funds are effectively used to foster local development and enhance the country’s infrastructure.