Multi-agency team to overhaul Georgetown’s drainage system

A high-level, multi-agency team has been established to develop and implement the Georgetown Drainage Development Plan — a major initiative aimed at overhauling and expanding the capital city’s outdated drainage infrastructure to meet the demands of rapid urban growth. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement while outlining the scope of the plan, which is designed to address both immediate flooding concerns and longer-term urban development needs.

According to the President, the team brings together technical expertise from the Ministry of Housing, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Ministry of Local Government, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Sea Defences, and the Mayor and City Council, among others. The group has already completed condition assessments of major canals, drains, outfalls, and pump stations across Georgetown.

“We have put together a team to review all surveys and studies and come up with a drainage development plan and implementation schedule,” President Ali said. He explained that many of the city’s primary drainage channels and tunnel systems have outlived their design capacity, resulting in recurring flooding during heavy rainfall. The new plan will identify priority upgrades and outline short-, medium-, and long-term investments.

A key component of the initial phase will include the clearing and leveling of clogged park and roadside drains across the city. “Many of the park pits are overgrown or encumbered,” the President said, urging the public to cooperate as works begin. Consultations with residents across Georgetown will start shortly, ensuring community input shapes the design and maintenance solutions.

The initiative will also integrate broader urban improvements, such as enhanced parking management, beautification, and modernization of the city’s sewer system. The Guyana Water Incorporated is expected to be engaged to advance plans for improved wastewater treatment and overall sanitation.

The City Engineer welcomed the national-level support as the City Council has struggled to maintain drainage infrastructure on its own. Technical officials emphasised that LiDAR and satellite mapping will be used to produce accurate digital terrain models and optimize engineering decisions for lasting results.

While acknowledging that some disruptions are likely during the upgrade process, President Ali said the long-term benefits will be substantial. He noted that visible work is expected to begin before the end of the year.