The government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, is set to host a national consultation on the Integrated Solid Waste Management Bill on Friday, January 23 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The event, which is scheduled to begin at 9am, is expected to bring together Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to foster constructive discussions and criticism on the proposed bill.

The bill is designed to replace outdated laws with modern regulations that include penalties for industrial waste management, and the regulation of hazardous medical waste.

It allows for strengthened waste segregation and storage requirements, recycling and circular-economy measures, and the expansion of provisions on elements like unauthorised waste detection, noise limits, dust and odour control among others.

Essentially, this proposed framework aims to modernise Guyana’s waste-management regime through a strategic shift in both policy and practice.

Solid waste management remains high on the government’s development agenda, especially in light of the rise in the country’s daily waste production due to unprecedented economic growth.

This agenda is supported by sizeable budgetary allocations to facilitate infrastructural upgrades and the procurement of new equipment. The 2025 budget allocated $13.2 billion for solid waste management, a noticeable increase from the $2.6 billion allocated in 2024.

Plans are in place to establish landfill facilities in Regions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9 and 10 as well as to upgrade the Haags Bosch landfill site on the East Bank of Demerara.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has taken a “hands-on” approach to this issue, pursuing direct city intervention, national infrastructure upgrades, and a massive public institution cleanup campaign.

Last September, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the establishment of a National Solid Waste Management and Beautification Initiative, a collaborative effort among the Ministries of Local Government, Tourism, Housing and the Office of the First Lady. The initiative will see the creation of green spaces and community beautification projects. Work has already commenced in this regard.