By Celestine Chacon
February 18, 2025
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, has dismissed claims by the opposition that Georgetown was a “garbage city” under the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.
During the 101st sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, Opposition Member Ganesh Mahipaul criticized the PPP/C’s management of the capital, alleging that the city was neglected during their time in office.
He further claimed that the APNU/AFC administration, upon assuming office in 2015, took corrective measures to restore Georgetown.
In response, Minister Parag rejected these assertions, stating that when the PPP/C returned to office, the city was already in a deteriorated state.
She noted that the government had to establish a task force and committee to address the garbage crisis and clean up the capital.
Parag also refuted claims that the PPP/C government had refused to support City Hall.
She emphasized that while the government remains committed to investing in Georgetown, such financial allocations would only be made under state-managed projects due to concerns over financial mismanagement at City Hall.
She pointed out that City Hall had failed to remit $1.7 billion in statutory employee deductions to the Guyana Revenue Authority and had consistently violated the Fiscal Management Act by submitting budget estimates late.
Addressing broader concerns, Minister Parag highlighted that all 70 Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country had received increased subventions, with each NDC benefiting from an additional $5 million in funding, along with a $4 million grant for infrastructure and development projects.