‘We’re willing to work with you’ – Manickchand tells Opposition as she outlines plans to improve local governance

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has said that her ministry remains open to working with members of the opposition to advance shared goals for community development, particularly in the area of solid waste management.

However, she emphasised that with or without the opposition’s support, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will continue its efforts to ensure that every citizen lives in a community that meets their needs.

During her contributions to the 2026 budget debates on Thursday, Manickchand revealed some of the projects her ministry will be embarking on this year to improve the lives of citizens.

One area identified for improvement is the ability and capacity of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to respond to communities’ needs.

Under the 2026 Budget, each of the country’s 70 NDCs will receive $30 million, while each of the 10 municipalities will receive $50 million.

However, several NDCs have failed to fully utilise the increased government subventions, with many failing to spend their 2025/2026 allocations. Manickchand had previously expressed her intention to address this matter.

Meanwhile, she noted that Budget 2026 caters for the construction of eight new NDC buildings and the rehabilitation of five others, at a cost of some $480 million.

Another key priority is to improve market conditions countrywide. The sum of $4.9 billion has been budgeted to rehabilitate, rebuild or construct new markets.

“We want our vendors to operate in a wholesome, organised space where they can earn for themselves and their families and we want shoppers to have an experience that will be pleasant for them to shop in the market…,” she outlined.

The sum of $2 billion will go towards the restoration of Stabroek Market and Bourda Green Market. Other markets slated for works include East Ruimveldt; Albouystown; Rose Hall; Number 79; New Amsterdam; Mahdia; Lethem; Mackenzie; Port Kaituma; Suddie; Leonora; Zeelugt; Vreed-en-Hoop; Tuschen; Mon Repos; Rosignol; Palmyra; Port Mourant; Bath, and Soesdyke, as well as several vending areas.

Additionally, the ministry intends to build out public spaces which can be used by communities for recreational purposes. The Local Government Ministry will build over 20 new spaces while the Ministry of Housing will contribute to the construction of 14.

On the matter of solid waste management, the minister disclosed plans to construct modern landfill sites across the country.

Such facilities will be constructed at Zorg-en-Hoop in Region Two; La Grange/Catherina in Region Three; Lusignan in Region Four; Blairmont in Region Five; Mabaruma in Region Six; Ten Miles in Region Seven; Bon Success in Region Nine, and Mabura in Region Ten.

“These landfill sites, sir, are going to be modern landfill sites that look at a circular way of disposing of solid waste. We were looking at linear ways in the past, where we look at usage and disposal, we’re now looking at usage, disposal, reusing,” she informed the House.

The minister said the new system will require a cultural shift in how citizens dispose of waste, including the introduction of recycling education in schools and communities. She added that all landfill sites will be equipped with lighting and access roads, with road construction alone estimated to cost about $1.2 billion.

In addition, every NDC and municipality will receive at least one garbage compactor truck, with some receiving two, along with shredders and market compactors to improve waste handling.

In this regard, she called on opposition members to lend support to the government.

“I call on all of you in this House, all of you in this House to join me on this campaign…we will do it alone if we have to, but it would be good if you were to join this wholesome, healthy campaign to change out how Guyana deals with its solid waste. We are willing to work with you…not the one who is sanctioned, we’re willing to work with the rest of you to make sure we can get this up and running but if you don’t want to work with us, then it will happen without you and the nation will know it happened without you,” Manickchand asserted.

Moreover, the minister emphasised that if the opposition raises genuine matters of concerns, his ministry is committed to addressing them.

“You have an issue, raise it with us, we are your servants too. We are the servants of the people of this country, and we are your servants too. If you have a problem, raise it and we will fix it,” she emphasised.