By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
President Irfaan Ali has announced the establishment of a multi-agency task force to develop a modernised Drainage Development Plan for the City of Georgetown, aimed at reducing flooding and promoting sustainable urban growth.
Speaking during an address this week, the President said the initiative will begin with a review of existing surveys and studies, followed by the design and implementation of a comprehensive drainage plan for the capital city.
“The plan will include immediate, short-term, and long-term investments that not only enhance drainage capacity but also strengthen the city’s overall ability to manage environmental and infrastructural challenges through an integrated approach,” President Ali explained.
The first phase of the initiative will involve the clearing and leveling of parapets across the city. The President noted that many drains and parapets are currently overgrown or encumbered by bridges and structures, obstructing the free flow of water.
“Immediately they will start with clearing of all the parapets throughout the city because many are overgrown or blocked by encumbrances,” he said, urging residents and businesses to cooperate as the works get underway.
The President added that the project will be followed by community consultations in several areas beginning next week, acknowledging that while some inconvenience is expected, the works are necessary for the health, safety, and property value of residents.
“This is necessary for the well-being of the city, for the improvement and protection of your properties from flooding, and for enhancing their value,” he assured.
President Ali further revealed that advanced technology will be utilised to map and design the city’s upgraded drainage network.
“We’re going to create a new drainage schematic for the city using modern tools such as satellite imagery, LIDAR surveys, and other digital mapping software,” he said. “This data will help us determine the most optimal solutions for the city’s primary, secondary, and tertiary drains.”
The Head of State emphasized that the project aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), underscoring the importance of efficient urban drainage for climate resilience and sustainable city planning.
The multidisciplinary team will include representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Ministry of Local Government, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Civil Defence Commission, and the Georgetown City Council, among others.
“This is a collaborative effort to modernise Georgetown’s drainage system and build a city that is resilient, sustainable, and prepared for the future,” President Ali concluded.
