November 11 2025- The multi-agency National Drainage Task Force continued its community consultation exercise this afternoon, engaging residents of Constituency Three during a meeting held at the Bel Air Primary School. The forum attracted residents from several communities, including Bel Air Gardens, Bel Air Springs, Prashad Nagar, Belvoir Court, New Haven, Bel Air Promenade, Bel Air Village, Blygezight, Campbellville Housing Scheme, and Sections L-M and A-D Campbellville.

Another engagement was held at the Campbellville Secondary school targeting residents of Lamaha Gardens, Newtown and Campbellville.

Leading the consultation team were the Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Vanessa Benn; and the Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr. Lionel Wordsworth. The team was supported by key partner agencies on the Task Force, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Sea and River Defence Department, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

In his remarks, Minister Croal explained that the Task Force was established by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to engage communities across Georgetown with the aim of identifying drainage-related challenges and forming sustainable solutions. He noted that the consultations form part of a phased and long-term approach that seeks to address drainage maintenance, environmental management, orderly development, parapet clearing, parking regulations, and beautification.

“If we do not address the management of rainwater and improve the existing drainage system, our other efforts will not yield the results we want,” Minister Croal stated. He also referenced studies conducted by international partners, including a Japanese research team, which will help inform the strategies being developed.

“At the end of this process, we will present recommendations to His Excellency, along with both short- and long-term action proposals. We value your input, and today is about hearing your concerns and solutions,” he added.

Mr. Lionel Wordsworth, Chairman of the NDIA, provided a technical overview of Georgetown’s drainage network. He explained that the capital city sits on low-lying coastal land and is therefore predisposed to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. This reality is worsened by aging and insufficient drainage infrastructure, climate change impacts, and blockages caused by improper waste disposal.

He highlighted that recent surveys and hydrological studies have identified several bottlenecks within the primary drainage channels, affecting the free flow of water out to the outfalls. The presentation outlined key risk zones and proposed interventions aimed at improving drainage efficiency and system resilience.

Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Vanessa Benn, thanked residents for their strong turnout, noting that their engagement is critical to the success of the restoration efforts.

“Your presence demonstrates your commitment to being part of the solution. While some of you have had difficult experiences, your recommendations are valuable as we move toward a more holistic approach to restoring Georgetown,” she emphasized.

“There is a broader vision, and this engagement is one component of that wider effort,” she added.

During the interactive session, residents raised concerns including the dumping of construction materials in drains and the need for better maintenance of wastewater infrastructure. Several participants also urged stronger enforcement measures and community collaboration to prevent the recurrence of clogged waterways.

The Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to continuous dialogue, public participation, and coordinated actions among agencies to ensure long-term improvements to the capital city’s drainage and urban environment.