Local Government Ministry rolls out national beautification and waste management exercise

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has launched a nationwide clean-up initiative aimed at clearing schools, health centres, and regional administrative buildings of decades-old, unserviceable items.

The exercise, which is already underway in Region Six, was announced by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Priya Manickchand, during a meeting with vendors in Corriverton on Thursday.

“So on the 29th of September I had a meeting with all the REOs across Guyana—Regional Health Officers, Regional Education Officers, Engineers, internal auditors, as well as the State Audit Department,” Minister Manickchand explained.

“We said to them that we want all the junk, all the unserviceable items in schools, hospitals, health centres, teachers’ quarters, nurses’ quarters, doctors’ quarters and regional departments to be cleared. From Monday gone to next week Friday it’s going to be all the health facilities. Some of these things have been clawing up the buildings for as long as 16, 17 years, so I’m very happy we’re finally creating more room and better working spaces.”

The Minister emphasized that the exercise forms part of a national phased plan that will eventually cover every region and every public institution, with the goal of promoting order, efficiency, and improved service delivery.

According to a release from the Ministry, the schedule is as follows:

* Health Centres: September 29 – October 10, 2025
* Schools: October 13 – 24, 2025
* Regional Administrative Buildings: October 27 – November 7, 2025

The phased approach accommodates the limited number of auditors available, ensuring accountability and transparency while allowing regional officers to systematically remove obsolete items.

During a site visit to the Number 47 Health Centre in Region Six, Minister Manickchand witnessed the removal of old hospital beds, refrigerators, furniture, scales, and electronics. Many of these items, unused for more than a decade, had contributed to overcrowding and inefficiency.

Health workers at the facility welcomed the move, noting its direct impact on patient care and working conditions.

“It’s not only about aesthetics, but also about our comfort, mental health, and ability to serve the community better,” one staff member shared.

The Minister reiterated that the initiative is not limited to Region Six. Once health centres, schools, and regional buildings are addressed, the clean-up will move to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

“This is about building systems that are efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of citizens,” Minister Manickchand said.

“Public institutions must operate in environments that are safe, orderly, and conducive to delivering quality services.”

The Ministry commended the collaboration of regional officials, health and education staff, and auditors, stressing that their role is vital in advancing the government’s wider development agenda.