City Council unveils $5.7 billion budget for 2026

Finance Chairman of the City Council, Lelon Saul on Tuesday presented the body’s $5.697 billion proposed 2026 budget.

It is the largest budget presented by the council to date, increasing from $4.28 billion in 2025.

A huge portion of the funds, about $1.2 billion, has been earmarked for solid waste management, reflecting continued efforts to address garbage collection challenges across the capital. The City Constabulary is set to receive $603 million while about $524 million has been allocated for Human Resources to support staffing and administrative functions.

The budget also sets aside $50 million for the rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market, with similar sums expected to be allocated for upgrades to Bourda and other municipal markets. These efforts are aimed at better serving the 225,814 residents living in Georgetown, based on recent census data.

Saul said the council is still working to finalise its accounts. Despite recent tensions, he called for improved cooperation with central government.

“I believe that this city can be better managed once there is better collaboration between the municipal authority and central government,” he said.

Importantly, the council has again signaled plans to crack down on property tax defaulters. Saul also proposed waiving interest on outstanding property taxes owed by residential property owners, a move aimed at encouraging greater compliance and easing financial burdens.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore said that efforts will be made to take back control of the 50 roads across the city were designated public roads. However, Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali made it clear that the designation of roads is part of a wider government push to improve infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance, stressing that the move is not politically driven.

“We are not taking roads for politics,” he said at the commissioning of the expanded Aubrey Barker roadway just a day prior. “We are designating roads as public roads in the cause of progress… We are not playing politics with potholes, we are governing.”