GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana's government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the capital, Georgetown, into a sustainable, modern capital while preserving its unique heritage and identity.
“The mismanagement and inefficiency through which the city is managed can no longer be tolerated. It is time for us, as citizens and as a country, to take charge of the situation. We are advancing the rescue of Georgetown, ” President Irfaan Ali told a news conference, adding that the initiative will form part of a broader national strategy for sustainable urban development, starting with the capital and its surrounding region.
The government has said that over the past five years, it has invested billions of dollars in drainage upgrades, road improvements, housing expansion, and a high-span bridge over the Demerara River, all aimed at improving the quality of life and supporting economic growth.
Ali said that these works will now be complemented by the City Revival Plan, launched in collaboration with the King’s Foundation.
The plan envisions Georgetown as a sustainable “Garden City” that highlights Guyana’s biodiversity, cultural heritage, and inclusive development. It includes flagship projects such as recreational spaces and heritage restoration, rehabilitation of historic landmarks, including the old Transport and Harbours building and the train station, with the latter to host a new museum and training hub.
In addition, the Stabroek Waterfront Development will allow for the modernization of the waterfront and market areas, designed to celebrate Georgetown’s identity as the “land of many waters.”
There will also be upgrades to drainage canals in a touristic style, restoration of urban landscapes, and the Lamaha Railway Courtyard project, which will feature a visual walk-through of Guyana’s history.
President Ali told reporters that the plan aligns with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, ensuring harmony, sustainability, and inclusivity in Georgetown’s future.
“We are progressing with a clearly defined plan for the city. Every stakeholder will play a critical role in advancing this transformation of our capital. Georgetown must be repositioned as one of the finest cities in the world>”
Ali said in addition to Georgetown, the government will also pursue demonstration projects such as the outer Georgetown low-carbon market town and the Silicon City master plan, both geared at piloting models of sustainable urban growth.
He said that these initiatives are about infrastructure and fostering pride, efficiency, and a renewed identity for the capital city.
In an apparent reference to local government elections that could be called within one year, President Ali, who led the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to victory in the September 1 general and regional elections, said Georgetown residents would choose “the type of leadership” to ensure the city is transformed and managed that would make everyone proud.
The opposition People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) controls 19 City Council seats as against 11 by the PPP/C.
