Manickchand Calls for Stronger Waste Management as Guyana Expands
By Jayda Jeune | HGP Nightly News
Georgetown, Guyana – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced waste management systems as Guyana continues its rapid pace of development.
Speaking during a visit to the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill site, the minister stressed that solid waste management is not only an environmental concern but also a matter that directly affects the health and well-being of families nationwide.
“Solid waste management is a huge area and a big concern for many residents across the country,” Manickchand stated.
She noted that the daily volume of waste has tripled in recent years, rising from 400 tons to 1,200 tons per day, while the number of trucks dumping at the site has increased from 100 to nearly 400 daily. This surge, she explained, has intensified challenges related to odors, smoke, and other environmental impacts.
Residents of Eccles, Providence, and Prospect have voiced growing complaints about the landfill’s operations, particularly the unpleasant smell and smoke that disrupt daily life.
The minister assured that her ministry is working closely with the Office of the First Lady on beautification projects across communities, while also expanding waste management solutions to neighborhood democratic councils (NDCs) and smaller villages to ensure equitable coverage across all regions.
“We are going to be looking at solid waste management in NDCs and smaller villages as well as in the large regions,” she affirmed.
According to Manickchand, the government’s ultimate goal is to create cleaner, safer, and more attractive environments that reduce the negative impacts of poor waste disposal while allowing families to enjoy healthier surroundings.
