Public consultations begin for Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project

The multi-agency National Drainage Task Force, established under the direction of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, officially commenced the first round of public consultations on Monday for the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project. This critical initiative seeks to enhance the city’s flood resilience through the expansion and modernisation of its aged drainage infrastructure.

The initial consultations kicked off with strong participation from residents and business owners from Constituency One (including Kingston, Eve Leary, Albertown, Queenstown, and Cummingsburg) and Constituency Two (Kitty and Subryanville). The first meetings were hosted at the Kingston Secondary School and F.E. Pollard Primary School, respectively.

Leading the consultation team were Minister of Housing, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn; Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr. Lionel Wordsworth; and Director General of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Anand Persaud. They were supported by key agencies on the Task Force, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Sea and River Defence, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

NDIA Head Mr. Lionel Wordsworth presented a technical overview, highlighting that the existing network, developed years ago, is severely strained and inadequate for present-day demands. Mr. Wordsworth noted that increased urban expansion, higher percentages of impermeable surfaces, and the compounding effects of climate change have exacerbated the problem. Data indicates a significant increase in average rainfall, which has moved from approximately three inches 50-60 years ago to between six and eight inches today.

To combat these issues, the government is pursuing a strategy focused on a combination of rehabilitation works, new drainage infrastructure, increased maintenance protocols, and the deployment of additional pumps to improve overall efficiency. This project is a core component of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

Minister Croal said the consultation marks phase one of a broader national effort. He underscored that the government’s commitment to transforming the capital extends beyond drainage to include the holistic enhancement of roads, parapets, and parking facilities. Minister Benn used the opportunity to encourage residents to actively participate in the development process by adhering to environmental regulations and avoiding littering, stressing the importance of community pride and cooperation in maintaining infrastructure.

The Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, who was present at the Constituency Two meeting, urged residents to lend their full cooperation.

The National Drainage Task Force will continue its consultation over the coming days, engaging private sector bodies and other key stakeholders across the capital to ensure a truly collaborative and results-driven approach to flood mitigation.

Upcoming Consultation Schedule: Available on the official social media pages of the Ministry of Housing, CH&PA, Department of Public Information, and Task Force partner agencies. Stakeholders and residents are encouraged to share their feedback via email at nationaldrainagetaskforce.gy@gmail.com.