Latest update March 26th, 2026 7:55 AM
Manickchand rolls out detailed spending plan for Local Govt.
… focuses on solid waste management, NDC’s, public spaces and recreation
(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Thursday rolled out a detailed plan on how the $36.6 billion allocated to her ministry will be spent to improve the lives of citizens.
Supporting the 2026 budget, Manickchand relayed that each Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) will receive $30 million and municipality $50 million. In total, $2.1 billion will be pumped into NDC’s and municipalities $500 million.
“This is where we expect some level of autonomy where these local government bodies, through consultation with their communities, will determine what might be best for their neighborhoods to be able to develop and to be able to evolve,” she explained.
Going deeper into how the funds will be dispersed, the minister said eight new NDC’s will be built and five will be rehabilitated to the tune of $480 million. An additional $150 million will be used to rebuild the Rose Hall, Mahdia, and New Amsterdam Town Councils.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand
Speaking on solid waste management, Manickchand said there will be new efforts to ensure clean communities and predictable collection of waste.
“To this end, we are building eight new landfill sites, and all the landfill sites will also have significant lights, while the construction of roads will cost about $1.2 billion. Every single NDC and every single municipality is going to get a garbage compactor truck, and additionally, we are buying bins, shredders, and compactors for marketplaces,” she added.
Manickchand informed the House communities such as Providence, Prospect and Windsor Estates that complained about the foul stench from the Haags Bocsh Landfill site are no longer experiencing the issue. The scent experienced on the Hero’s Highway is fresh garbage, and she explained that this is due to a design issue as the landfill site is 200ft away from the roadway. Nevertheless, the scent is not reaching residents, but the experts within the ministry are currently exploring possible solutions.
“This year, Mr. Speaker, $4.9 billion will be spent on either rehabilitating, rebuilding, or constructing new markets. Two billion dollars will be dedicated towards the reconstruction or the restoration of the Stabroek Market and the Bourda Market. The intention is for vendors to operate in a wholesome, organised space where they can earn for themselves and their families and for shoppers to have a pleasant experience,” the politician told the House.
Manickchand in excess of 20 recreational spaces will be constructed this year, alongside the 14 the housing ministry will undertake, in efforts to beautify public spaces and make them safe.
Another $11.7 billion will be spent on the community enhancement working programme, providing employment opportunities across the country.
“Between 2020 and 2024, we spent close to $10 billion on health care in Region Nine. New facilities and upgraded facilities were constructed, and the Region Nine health story is a success story where people from Brazil are now coming over to us for service,” she beamed.
In support of educational development there, four new secondary schools will be constructed in Region Ten, with one costing some $2.6 billion.
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