HGP Nightly News – President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that investments have already been made to begin the long-anticipated transformation of the Georgetown Zoo and Botanical Gardens, signalling what he described as a major step in the Government’s wider plan to modernise and enhance key public spaces in the capital. The announcement points to a large-scale redevelopment project that is expected to reshape one of Georgetown’s most historic and recognisable recreational sites.
The Head of State made the disclosure on Tuesday evening during the commissioning of the Guyana-China Friendship Park on the West Coast of Demerara in Region Three. In outlining the vision for the project, President Ali said the transformation of the zoo and botanical gardens will be backed by an investment aimed at making the facility “the pride of South America.” He added that works are expected to begin shortly, suggesting that the long-discussed redevelopment is now moving into its implementation phase.
According to the President, the investment will not only target physical rehabilitation, but will also focus on recreation, education, biodiversity, environmental awareness, tourism and what he described as an improved quality of urban life. In that regard, the project is being framed as more than just an upgrade of an aging public facility. Instead, it is being positioned as part of a broader effort to create a more attractive, functional and interconnected urban environment for residents and visitors alike.
Ali said the transformed space will also be linked to several wider features planned for the city, including the green walkway, the architectural heritage walkway, the cultural heritage walkway, the commerce walkway and the waterfront walkway. That integration suggests the zoo and botanical gardens project is intended to form part of a much larger vision for Georgetown’s renewal, one in which recreational, cultural, commercial and heritage spaces are more closely connected and easier for the public to access and enjoy.
In describing the scope of the works, the President said the project will involve the full rehabilitation of gardens and water systems, along with modern zoo infrastructure, improved animal care and containment, upgraded visitor facilities, better accessibility, education spaces, enhanced security and operational systems, as well as elevated bridges, pathways and wider landscape restoration. He said the size and complexity of the site mean the project will deliver what he described as a “fantastic facility” and a strong value-for-money investment once completed.
The announcement builds on previous statements from the Government indicating that major upgrades for both the Georgetown Zoo and the Botanical Gardens were being considered as part of a wider national development and beautification agenda. With the President now saying that investments have already been made and works will begin shortly, the project appears poised to become one of the more visible components of the administration’s effort to improve public spaces and redefine the capital’s urban appeal.
