The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry on Tuesday signed an agreement with the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Trust Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the implementation of a Solid Waste Management Project.
Guyana had acquired the funding through an open bidding process, which was held by the organisation for developing countries to submit their proposals on projects which they believe would foster growth and development while solving social issues.
A new Guyana
Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa told the gathering that the United Nations board had chosen to finance Guyana’s proposal as it had reflected the strategic goals of the organisation.
She noted that in the implementation of the programme, the alleviation of poverty, health issues and improper sanitation will be accomplished while promoting tourism development.
“Where poverty exists, there is a lack of waste management and this poses health issues. And so this initiative assists in the overall plan of the Government to transform Guyana through the management of its solid waste,” she expressed.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Luiz Gilberto Seixas De Andrade remarked that the three countries are more than happy to be able to assist Guyana in its development.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker told media operatives that the Ministry is tediously working to ensure that Guyana becomes not only clean but healthy as well.
He expressed similar sentiments as Musa and Ambassador De Andrade. “The project has been launched to strengthen the fight against solid waste and to ensure an efficient management in it. It will seek to alleviate poverty, health issues, promote tourism development, and reform the collection of solid waste,” he related.
The Minister pointed out that the issue of solid waste management arose some years ago, during the period roadside vending began. Whittaker added that despite the fact that solid waste management has been a challenge for a number of years, the initiative will seek to reduce the challenges and shape a new Guyana.
The project will be done in three phases, according to the Minister. The first phase involves the procurement of two compactors and two mini-excavators for the pickup, transport, and disposal of the garbage to the Haags Bosch dumpsite.
The second phase will include the expansion of market tarmacs, construction of receptacles on the tarmacs and washroom facilities, and the rehabilitation of existing markets, while the third phase will seek to raise public awareness through sensitisation programmes which will include edutainment, flyers, and brochures.
The project has been valued at a cost of US$1.9 million, of which US$1.5 million has been provided through the fund. The additional US$400,000 is expected to be raised in kind donations.
